The so-called "modal split" indicates the share of the different modes of transport in the total traffic volume of a country, region, or city. The methods to measure it can vary considerably; usually, travel surveys are used, which can refer to distances, trips made, or time spent, for example. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare different surveys; this should be taken into account when using the data provided in the ECF cycling data map. ECF calls for the harmonisation of data collection methods; the EU could play an important role here in providing guidelines to cities, regions, and countries.
In the framework of its “Eurobarometer” opinion survey programme, the European Commission has started to conduct a survey on the quality of transport. In this survey, citizens are asked the questions “On a typical day, which mode of transport do you use most often?” and “What are reasons for using this mode of transport?” In the latest edition of the study, published in December 2014, the answer “cycling” was given by ca. 8% of the respondents around the European Union, with convenience being the most cited reason for cycling (49%) The study also divides the answers on the level of EU countries and different groups of the population, providing directly comparable data.
In 2017, the European Commission (DG MOVE) has published a support study on data collection and analysis of active modes use and infrastructure in Europe. This is the first comprehensive overview of active modes data collection in EU Member States and their capitals and provides important insights into the available data and the methods used.