Scaling up cycling or replacing driving? Triggers and trajectories of bike–train uptake in the Randstad area

Abstract The combined use of the bicycle and train in Netherlands has risen steadily over past decade. However, little is yet known about underlying processes driving growth bike–train Netherlands. Are new trips replacing car trips, or are they primarily an extension existing travel cycling practices? present study investigates this question by exploring main trajectories uptake Randstad area. Following a mobility biographies approach, our seeks to identify triggers “key events” which lead use, explores their relationship with behaviour. To end, we carried out online survey aimed at people who started commuting regularly bike–train. Our results show that varied, similar proportion respondents starting commute order replace cycling, public transport. While some cases shifted on trip, most travelling following change work residential location. Overall, findings suggest do not start particular preference, but merely because consider it provides best available option. Nevertheless, large access suggests system able provide attractive alternative car-based interurban mobility.