Users’ preferences on bike-train intermodality: what can induce travelers to use this type of intermodal transport?

Making railway stations accessible to all kinds of cyclists to improve bike-train intermodality is a challenge that must be met. This challenge is part of the European Community’ objectives set out in Agenda 2030, as the transition from the use of private vehicles to the use of bicycles contributes to reducing emissions to air. One of the reasons why bicycles are still underused is the lack of security of the infrastructure and the absence of essential services. That is why it is necessary to know what the most urgent interventions are. This study aims to determine the types of action needed to improve bicycle-train intermodality according to people’s preferences. A survey was carried out on a sample of the Italian population who use bicycles, regardless of age or gender, to understand what would lead travelers to choose that type of intermodal travel. The research found that the bike-train intermodality is influenced above all by the risk of theft of bicycles inside the railway station, the possibility or not to carry the bicycle on the train, and finally enjoy an easy access to the train station by bicycle.