OV-FIETS: a Dutch nationwide bike-sharing program

The OV-Fiets Concept: Linking Trains and Bikes

OV-FIETS is a service in the Netherlands that allows travellers to rent bicycles at train stations. It’s designed to make it easier for people to combine train travel with cycling, providing a convenient way to reach their final destinations. Users can rent a bike for a day or for a longer period, making it a popular choice for commuters and tourists alike. The service aims to promote sustainable transportation by encouraging the use of bicycles in conjunction with public transit. Poznan was chosen for the study as a city without strong cycling culture, but with tradition in PT usage. Most of the bike sharing stations were located nearby PT stations, and relationship between short cycling trips up to 3 km and PT frequency was found.

Addressing the Last Mile: Integration and Strategy

The introduction of OV-Fiets was primarily triggered by the need to address the “last mile” problem in public transportation. This refers to the challenge of how passengers can efficiently travel from train stations to their final destinations, especially when those destinations are not within walking distance.

The Dutch government and transport authorities recognized that to promote public transit use, they needed to offer integrated solutions that connected various modes of transportation. The OV-Fiets program was part of a broader effort to enhance the public transportation network, promote cycling culture, and encourage sustainable travel habits among commuters and tourists.

The OV-Fiets program reaches its objectives and is implemented through several key strategies: OV-Fiets bikes are available at numerous train stations across the Netherlands, making it easy for travellers to rent a bike as soon as they arrive. Users can rent bikes through an app, website, or at kiosks, allowing for quick and hassle-free access. The program is often integrated into public transport ticketing systems, allowing users to include bike rental in their travel plans seamlessly. Bikes are located at key transit points, enhancing connectivity between trains and local destinations. The rental rates are kept affordable, encouraging more people to opt for cycling as a complement to their train travel. Bikes are regularly maintained to ensure safety and reliability. Facilities for secure parking help prevent theft and damage, making it a more attractive option for users.  

Success, Impact, and Future Opportunities

The OV-fiets became increasingly popular in the Netherlands between 2012 to 2019. In 2019, approximately 5.2 million trips were made with the shared bicycles. The number of journeys by OV-fiets dropped in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, when travel in the Netherlands was partially restricted. Journeys fell to 3.1 million in 2020 and increased slightly to 3.4 million in 2021. Usage grew again in the following years and exceeded the previous peak in 2019, reaching 5.9 million journeys. The demand for OV bicycles continues to soar annually. In 2023 alone, travellers undertook 5.9 million trips on these public transport bikes—a remarkable increase of half a million compared to 2022. Presently, there are 22,500 bicycles available across 288 locations. A study by the cyclist’s union also revealed that car use has been reduced thanks to the OV-fiets: 17% of interviewees claim to occasionally travel by train and OV-fiets on a journey they would previously have completed by car. In addition, 16% are no longer collected (as often) from the station, by car.

Also, data from 2011 show: 8% of OV fiets users would have used cars instead of train; 54% of the users use the train more because of availability of OV fiets; 46% of OV fiets users use bicycles instead of tram or bus for the last mile trips.

In the large part of the Danube region rail network is expanding and going through reconstruction. National transport strategies recognise importance of the intermodality, and many National cycling strategies also underline importance of bike + train + bike as a match for private car use in the terms of speed and flexibility. Also, concerning socialist heritage and state ownership, railway companies might accept the model of having their own bicycle sharing schemes. On the other hand, you can also convince railway companies that with bike sharing they are going to increase numbers of passengers.