Active2Public Transport Research Charts the Next Steps for Mobility

As winter slowly transitions into spring, many travelers begin to set their sights on summer plans. At the same time, many commuters at well as tourists find that combining cycling with public transport allows for greater flexibility, reduced travel costs, and an overall more enjoyable experience. By addressing the gaps in infrastructure and service integration, cities and regions can make sustainable travel a more attractive option for both locals and visitors.

This shift is not just about convenience; it is a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of transport. With road transport still being a significant contributor to carbon emissions, increasing the share of active and public mobility options can help lower pollution levels while offering healthier and more sustainable travel choices.

The following insights summarize two reports produced as part of the Active2Public Transport (A2PT) project: Status Quo of Existing A2PT Infrastructure and Services in the Danube Region and Danube Cycling Tourist Survey 2024. These findings highlight a strong demand for better integration between cycling tourism, public transport, and daily commuting in the Danube Region.

While interest in multimodal travel is high, significant challenges remain. Survey results highlight that many cyclists wish to combine their journeys with trains and buses, yet satisfaction with public transport services is low. The main barriers include:

• Insufficient bike-friendly infrastructure – Cyclists need dedicated lanes, better surfaces, and safer paths separated from motorized traffic.

• Limited bike capacity on public transport – Many trains and buses lack sufficient space for bicycles, making multimodal travel inconvenient.

• Inconsistent cross-border connections – Cycling tourists often face difficulties with timetables, ticketing, and seamless international travel.

• Gaps in digital information – While digital tools dominate trip planning, many transport hubs still lack real-time, multilingual travel resources.

Beyond sustainability, investing in cycling-friendly transport solutions presents an economic opportunity. Cycling tourists tend to spend more than traditional travelers, contributing significantly to local businesses. German cycling tourists, for instance, spend an average of €117 per day on longer trips.

At the same time, improving transport infrastructure aligns with global climate goals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport requires better multimodal options, making sustainable travel more attractive and accessible. Integrating cycling, walking, and public transport is key to reducing car dependency and advancing decarbonization efforts across the Danube Region.

The Active2Public Transport (A2PT) project, part of the Interreg Danube Region Programme, is actively working to address these challenges. Through research, infrastructure assessments, and collaboration among partners from nine countries, the project is developing Regional Action Plans to improve multimodal mobility solutions.

A recent Status Quo Analysis of transport hubs across the region highlights both strengths and weaknesses. While major cities are making progress with bike-friendly policies and digital resources, rural areas still struggle with outdated infrastructure and limited accessibility. Funding constraints and slow implementation of modernization projects pose additional obstacles.

As the project moves forward, collaboration between local authorities, transport providers, policymakers, and communities will be crucial. The insights from the analysis will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that promote sustainable tourism, economic growth, and better mobility options.

Are you a frequent cycling traveler or someone working in sustainable transport? Your input matters! Join the conversation and share your thoughts on what improvements are needed.

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