In our collective journey towards creating urban environments that are both sustainable and liveable, the imperative is clear – the time has come to reshape our cities with a focus on people rather than cars. Conventional, car-centric urban planning has not only escalated greenhouse gas emissions but has also had adverse effects on air quality, road safety, and traffic congestion. Confronting the climate crisis and a growing global road safety dilemma, a transition to sustainable transport is imperative.
In the realm of sustainable and vibrant urban living, the crucial role of walking and cycling infrastructure cannot be overstated. Beyond being the cleanest modes of transportation, these forms of active travel offer enormous benefits – sustainability, economic, health, and low-cost modes of travel. The resurgence of interest in walking and cycling reflects a growing desire for alternative sustainable transport choices. Addressing the posing challenges by proposing strategic network planning, creating a symbiotic relationship between cycling and public transit, and investing in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure emerges as a crucial step towards positive urban transformation.
The Barrier to Active Travel
The predominant hurdle to cycling and walking lies in the insufficient design of our streets and communities, which fails to prioritize the safety and ease of active travel. Piecemeal development of cycling tracks and pathways reflects a lack of commitment and discourages individuals from choosing active modes of transport. The problem is that our leaders haven’t fully committed to making these active modes of transportation safe and easy. When they do try, it often feels half-hearted, like just painting a line on the road and calling it a bike lane. The municipal corporations, seemingly unaware of the transformative power of active travel, have neglected to prioritize its integration into the city’s fabric.
Benefits of Walking and Cycling for Communities
1. Economic Resilience through Connectivity: Cities in southeast Asia grappling with a staggering 2 to 5% annual loss of GDP due to congestion, with Manila bearing the brunt at a staggering $67 million per day (By Scott Dunn, Vice President, Strategy & Growth, Aecom Southeast Asia). A case in point, we delve into the success story of Copenhagen, a city-state that strategically integrated cycling lanes and walkable spaces into its urban fabric. By doing so, Copenhagen not only mitigated economic losses but also witnessed a surge in local business and increased job creation.
- Decarbonization Accelerated: Urban transport is a notorious contributor, responsible for a substantial 21% of greenhouse gas emissions. Dutch cities showcase the forward–thinking initiatives where robust infrastructure has significantly slashed emissions. Transitioning from a car to a bicycle results in a savings of 150g of CO2 per kilometre. For every 7 kilometres travelled by bicycle, an emission reduction of 1 kilogram of CO2 is achieved compared to covering the same distance by car. Over a span of five years, the Dutch populace collectively averted an annual emission of 1.41 million tonnes of CO2 through cycling.
- Healthy Community: Active mobility isn’t merely a means of transport; it fosters a healthier and more connected community. Research conducted in the United Kingdom reveals compelling health benefits associated with cycling to work. Commuting by bicycle is correlated with a remarkable 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to commuting by car or public transport. Engaging in daily exercise, such as cycling, extends life expectancy by approximately 3.4 years. In contrast, exposure to polluted air through other modes of commuting can decrease life expectancy by 1 to 40 days. Beyond its cardiovascular advantages, regular cycling contributes to improved physical fitness and serves as an effective measure in preventing obesity.
- Economic Boost: Improving walking and cycling paths in cities and towns doesn’t just make transportation easier; it also helps the local economy. When places invest in better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, like sidewalks and bike lanes, it often leads to more people shopping, renting commercial spaces, and more job opportunities. A study by the Political Economy Research Institute found that for every $1 million invested in these projects, 11 to 14 jobs are created. This is more than the seven jobs created when the same amount is invested in highways. So, not only does it make getting around easier, but it also brings more business and job opportunities to the community.
- Equity, Social Harmony, and Liveability: Embarking on journeys by foot or bike not only promotes equity, strengthens social bonds, and enhances feelings of safety, but also enriches the overall quality of life.
Network Planning
The allocation of street space in many cities heavily favours motorized vehicles, even in renowned walkable cities like Barcelona, where 60% of street space is designated for cars, despite only 14% of the population regularly using them. Similarly, in Copenhagen, recognized as the most bicycle-friendly city globally, cars still claim 66% of road space, despite only 9% of trips being made by car. To encourage people to travel by foot or bike, cities need to rebalance the distribution towards pedestrians and cyclists.
Cities globally are embracing a paradigm shift in urban living by reimaging both infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives to promote walking and cycling. This dual strategy, integrating innovative infrastructure enhancements with proven non-infrastructure programs, is pivotal in fostering a sustainable and inclusive urban future.
Cities should build a combination of the following infrastructure options:
1. Pedestrianized streets and widened Sidewalks: Transforming streets into pedestrian and cycling-friendly involves creating well-lit, wide sidewalks with continuous footpaths. Reducing traffic speeds and minimizing car parking make walking an attractive option.
Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling infrastructure. The city has invested heavily in wider bike lanes, ensuring the safety and convenience of cyclists. The Dronning Louise’s Bridge, is a notable example, which, until 2008, accommodated four car lanes alongside narrow cycle paths. The city strategically phased in changes, initially converting external traffic lanes into cycle lanes, ultimately prioritizing cyclist safety and convenience. By 2013, the bridge underwent a significant reconstruction, featuring widened cycle paths and sidewalks, with only two lanes for cars. This approach exemplifies Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainable transportation and sets an inspiring precedent for cities worldwide aiming to create cyclist-friendly environments.
2. Raised, Segregated Bike Lanes: Proven to be far more effective in encouraging cycling and enhancing safety, than painted cycle lanes on the carriageway. They are also harder to reverse if the next city administration officials take a less favourable view of cycling.
3. Intersection Design: A resilient cycling network is as strong as the weakest link, and intersections play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless journey for cyclists. We can build the best cycling network, but if it stops when people cycling approach the intersection, the entire journey experience becomes less safe and comfortable. In standard intersections with traffic lights, two practical measures can enhance capacity and flow without redesigning it completely. Reducing the size of traffic islands that separate cyclists from vehicles creates more room for cyclists to wait widening the crossing path and adjusting road markings to facilitate smoother transitions even across the other side of the junction. Redesigning intersections into roundabouts offers a solution with separated infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Here, pedestrians and cyclists often have priority, contributing to a safer experience. Well-planned roundabouts can occupy a similar space to regular 4-arm junctions but offer shorter crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. This thoughtful approach ensures that cyclist’s journeys remain efficient, safe, and comfortable, regardless of the intersection encountered.
Amsterdam is famous for its cycling-friendly infrastructure, including well-designed intersections. The city employs various intersection designs, such as raised cycle tracks, bike boxes, and separated infrastructure for cyclists. These designs contribute to a safer and more seamless cycling experience, even at intersections.
4. Traffic Signaling: Prioritizing p
edestrians and cyclists through traffic light signaling, including the “green wave” concept. This approach involves synchronizing traffic lights to provide a continuous flow of green light for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing waiting times at intersections and ensuring a seamless journey. For pedestrians, the green wave minimizes stops at crosswalks, enhancing efficiency and safety. Achieving the “green wave” necessitates precise coordination through advanced traffic management systems, adapting timings in real–time. By curbing waiting times and streaming movement, adapting, the “green wave” improves the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. Cities like Rotterdam have installed rain sensors at intersections so that when it starts to rain the traffic lights prioritize people cycling.
Even, Portland has embraced the “green wave” concept, synchronizing traffic lights to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. This strategy helps in reducing waiting times at intersections, making it more convenient and safer for people who choose to walk or cycle.
5. Wayfinding systems: What happens when pedestrian or cyclist arrives at an intersections? To which direction shall you turn? That’s exactly where a good way of finding systems comes into play. Clear signage, a consistent design language, and strategically placed information panels guide individuals at intersections, offering insights into points of interest and travel options. The integration of modern technologies, such as mobile bicycle route planners, enhances user experience and promotes cycling as a viable mode of transportation.
Tokyo has implemented a comprehensive wayfinding system for pedestrians and cyclists. The city utilizes clear signage, consistent design language, and digital technologies like mobile route planners to guide individuals at intersections, making it easier for them to navigate and choose sustainable transportation options.
6. Bike Parking Infrastructure: Visible and prominent bike parking to ensure cyclists can find it, and strategically places like near bus stops, schools, parks, and metro stations ensuring parking doesn’t obstruct pedestrians.
Implementing these infrastructure options is not only technically straightforward but also offers a quicker and more cost-effective solution compared to alternative transportation investments. Alongside physical street improvements, non-infrastructure programs have demonstrated boosting in walking and cycling. These programs, when implemented in collaboration with tangible street enhancements, prove to be effective strategies for encouraging sustainable modes of transportation.
Cities should replicate successful initiatives that encourage walking and cycling:
- Cycle Share Program: Schemes that allow anyone to hire a bike for short trips, either from a docking station or using dockless bikes. In response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation alternatives, many cities are now enhancing these initiatives by also incorporating electric bikes, helping commuters especially senior citizens or women to even opt for an active mode of transport most conveniently. Bike-share and e-bike share hinge on substantial infrastructure investments, as well as the implementation of well-managed cycle hire systems. In the case of docked bike-share schemes, the responsibility may lie with the city itself or involve collaboration with a private sector sponsor.
Cities like New Orleans have successfully tackled the challenge of equitable cycling accessibility by doubling their bike lane infrastructure since 2011. In 2017, facing lower ridership in high-poverty neighbourhoods, the city introduced Blue Bikes—a pioneering public bike scheme sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, designed specifically for locals. Collaborating with non-profits and engaging in extensive community consultations, New Orleans swiftly implemented 70 stations in December 2017. Notable features include an easily accessible sign-up process, a heavily discounted membership for low-income residents, and a cash payment option for those without bank accounts. Early indications reveal a remarkable 50% increase in cycling transport mode share since the launch of Blue Bikes, making this initiative a global model for fostering universally accessible and safe commuting.
- Car Free Street Days: Closing down selected main streets on Sundays and public holidays promoting walking cycling and leisure Activities.
- School Street Initiatives: Implementing these initiatives involves limiting the flow of through traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, and promoting a shift towards walking or cycling for school journeys. Not only are school streets cost–effective and straightforward to put in place, but they also promise advancements in road safety and air quality, offering a potential remedy for transport and health inequalities.
Symbiotic Relationship between Mass Transit and Cycling
One of the primary challenges faced by mass transit systems is the “first and last mile” segments of a commuter’s journey. These critical junctures often determine the overall efficiency and attractiveness of public transportation. Cycling, with its rapid and easily accessible nature, emerges as a pivotal player in addressing these challenges. By seamlessly integrating cycling into the public transportation ecosystem, cities can provide commuters with a convenient and sustainable option to cover these crucial segments.
Ireland serves as a notable example with the implementation of an extensive active travel investment program, earmarked to receive 20% of the annual transport budget. With a commitment of €360 million per year, the country is allocating €1 million daily towards active mobility, marking a significant surge from the previous €12.64 million, which constituted less than 2% of the annual budget. Notably, Ireland has opted to evenly distribute the funds between walking and cycling,
Despite the evident benefits of integrating cycling with public transit, active mobility has yet to become a priority at the institutional levels where critical decisions about resource allocation and financing are made. It’s time to improve investments in walking and cycling to unlock the full potential of this transformative approach.
India’s Cycling Revolution
Despite the dominance of cars, buses, motorbikes, and three-wheelers, nearly 10% of all journeys are now undertaken on bicycles, placing India at the forefront of nations where cycling is becoming a weekly practice. Given that the majority of these trips are under 5 kilometres, with public amenities conveniently located within a short cycling distance, the potential benefits of transitioning to bicycles are significant. Yet, India is just embarking on its cycling journey.
“In India today, even walking on the roads can be unsafe, let alone cycling. The demand for cycling remains latent, waiting to be unleashed through the development of dedicated bicycle infrastructure.”
Since 2017, local governments in India have collaborated with private sector entities to establish bike lanes and implement bike-sharing programs. Joint efforts have been focused on creating awareness and promoting cycling in both smaller cities like Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Indore, as well as in major metropolises such as Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru. The momentum gained further traction during the Covid-19 pandemic when cycling emerged as a safer alternative to crowded public transport.
In India, the bicycle is often seen as a mode of transport for the economically weaker section, primarily used for commuting to work. Individuals in the middle- and upper-income brackets may own a bicycle for recreational purposes. Shifting this mindset is crucial – to recognize cycling as a convenient, fast, and safe mode of transportation for everyone.
This transformation requires dedicated public funding for sustainable mobility in India and the introduction of new financing models to stimulate investments by both public and private sectors in cycling infrastructure and bike-sharing initiatives. Additionally, there is a need for heightened awareness campaigns, including educating citizens on accessing and paying for shared bikes, ultimately reducing instances of bike theft and vandalism.
These investments can yield multiple benefits, particularly in complementing existing and planned urban mass rapid transport systems. “India is rapidly expanding metro rail systems in various cities. Cycling has the potential to serve as an effective and sustainable mode of transport for first-mile and last-mile connectivity to these metro rail systems. To encourage the integration of cycling with public transport, dedicated spaces should be provided for carrying both foldable and non-foldable bicycles. Furthermore, incentivizing cyclists through discounted fares on public transport can act as a powerful motivator, fostering a seamless transition between cycling and mass transit.
Introducing a diverse range of bicycles can attract a wider audience of cyclists. For example, cargo bikes with small trailers cater to specific transportation needs, recumbent cycles offer a comfortable option for individuals with back pains, lightweight carbon fibre bicycles enhance enthusiasm with their low weight, city woman bicycles provide a safe way to carry babies while cycling,, tricycles which give more safety.
The imperative shift towards sustainable and liveable urban environments necessitates a radical departure from conventional car-centric planning, placing people at the forefront. The revival of walking and cycling, as evidenced by success stories like Copenhagen and Dutch cities, presents an unparalleled opportunity for economic resilience, decarbonization, and the creation of healthier, more connected communities. Strategic network planning, pedestrianized streets, raised bike lanes, thoughtful intersection design, and innovative non-infrastructure initiatives collectively form the blueprint for transformative change. The symbiotic relationship between mass transit and cycling, exemplified by Ireland’s commitment, further underscores the potential to revolutionize urban mobility. India stands on the verge of a transformative journey towards embracing walking and cycling as integral components of sustainable urban mobility. As the wheels of progress tu:rn, a collective effort in infrastructure development, financial backing, and public awareness are essential to propel India into a future where cycling is not just an option but a preferred mode of transportation for all income groups.
References
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