Bicycle access to Melbourne metropolitan rail stations

Bicycle storage facilities at railway stations provide a convenient option for commuters who cycle to the station to leave their bicycle during the day given that bicycles are not encouraged on trains during peak travel times. In large metropolitan areas encouraging commuters to link their journey to the train station with active transport has broad social benefits including increasing incidental exercise, reducing on-road vehicle congestion to the station and reducing the vehicle parking space required. However, to date there has been little research investigating the utility of bike storage facilities at train stations and the factors that influence individuals to cycle to stations in the Australian context. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of the bicycle as an access mode to metropolitan rail stations. As part of this research a multi-level analysis approach was adopted where aggregate analysis using Parkiteer (secure bicycle parking facility) swipe card access data and disaggregated analysis through self-completion surveys were used to gain valuable insight about the utility of bicycle storage facilities across the entire railway network and the factors that affect bike-and-ride rates in Melbourne. Key findings from this study show there is a continued demand for secure bicycle parking facilities as indicated by a 35.54% average annual growth rate in Parkiteer utility for each year from 2010 to 2015. Parkiteer users surveyed reported riding 5.5km or less to the station and over half cited that lack of available car parking spaces contributed to their decision to bike-and-ride.