2025-09-12 –, De Brug Area 1
A comparison of international research literature reveals that cycling behaviour varies across different contexts. It is influenced by age, gender, and trip purpose, as well as infrastructure supply (e.g., cycling lanes, surface quality), environmental factors (e.g., slopes, scenery), and operational conditions (e.g., traffic speed, waiting times at intersections). International studies show similar tendencies regarding these influencing factors. However, findings are often location-specific, as cycling behaviour is also influenced by local conditions such as city size and topography. Direct comparisons of international study results are challenging because data and methods often differ between study areas.
To investigate whether and to what extent cycling behaviour depends on city-specific or local factors, a comprehensive Germany-wide study was launched to assess the generalizability of these influences. The identified factors may also be relevant in other countries, making knowledge of city-dependent influences valuable for cycling planning in general.
This contribution presents initial results from the research project “Cycling Behaviour in Germany”. The study is based on a nationwide GPS dataset on cycling, comprising more than 8 million bicycle trips from approximately 3,000 German cities (2024). To analyse cycling behaviour, we classified cities based on characteristics such as size, topography, and bicycle share, incorporated additional secondary data (e.g., infrastructure supply), and examined how city characteristics impact cycling behaviour. Preliminary results indicate general patterns, such as a preference for smooth surface conditions and cycling infrastructure and an aversion to long distances and steep slopes. However, the strength of these influences varies by city. Differences and similarities also emerge in trip length, cycling frequency, speeds, and waiting times, which appear to be dependent on city-specific characteristics.
I am Stefan, a versatile scientist with expertise at the intersection of transport geography (Diploma) and traffic engineering (PhD). Since 2012, I have dedicated my research, teaching, and consulting efforts to the analysis and modeling of traffic behavior. With a solid foundation in both fields—geography and transport planning—I often bring a unique perspective, leading to different questions and explanations. In my doctoral thesis, I analyzed bicycle route choice preferences using GPS data. I currently co-chair the bicycle research group BIKELAB and chair the subgroup ‘Analysis and Modeling of Active Transport,’ with a particular emphasis on cycling. However, cycling is not just a field of study for me—it is also my passion, whether on an MTB, racing bike, or city bike.