Connecting cycling and public transport to create a greener network and growing ridership
We were recently looking at cycling infrastructure in the Middle East, and it got us thinking about how creating a green network, where cycling isn't a standalone mode, is key to success. In short, cycling needs to connect to other modes seamlessly - such as public transport.
Sitting down with a friend from the UK who has worked for TfL for over a decade, he said the same 'If we’re serious about increasing cycling mode share, we need to stop treating it as a standalone mode — and start integrating it into the broader transport network'. I agree.
Cycling is fast, flexible, and low-cost. But its potential is often limited by distance, safety concerns, and lack of infrastructure. That’s where public transport (PT) comes in.
By connecting cycling to PT, we unlock a powerful combination that can:
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Extend the reach of PT networks
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Make longer trips more feasible by bike
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Reduce car dependency
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Improve accessibility for more people
Effectively makes the network and destinations more accessible.
Integration is the key though
Of course, integration is the key to creating one network. Real life components of integration can be as follows:
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Safe, direct bike routes to major PT hubs
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Secure bike parking at stations and stops
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Bike-friendly policies on trains and buses
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Integrated ticketing and wayfinding for multimodal journeys
These aren’t just nice-to-haves — they’re essential for enabling mode shift.
These are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are 100s of examples for how integration can occur from low cost to full infrastructure changes and investments.
The benefits
The benefits are also simple:
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Increased Ridership: More people can access PT via bike
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Reduced Emissions: Fewer car trips, cleaner air
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Improved Accessibility: More inclusive transport options
The table below shows a comparison of benefits from a quick review matrix of 10 cities - all relate directly to increasing ridership.
Keen to collaborate and learn more
I’d love to hear from others working in this space. what’s working in your city or region? Are there great examples of integration we can learn from?
Equally though, keen to understand also what hasn't worked! These are key learnings as well.
Wishing everyone a great day:) And we will finish with a Daniel Craig James Bond Quote from Casino Royale 'Yes. Considerably.' In this context we will use it for the impact you can make to ridership by connecting cycling and public transport!
Andrew Collings
Transit Trends · Andrew Collings, KA Advisory. Read and comment on the original on LinkedIn.
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