Sustainable Urban Transport—Why a Fast Investment in a Complete Cycling Network Is Most Profitable for a City

Abstract

The development of safe cycling as a mode of transport is an important objective of the transformation towards sustainable mobility in European cities. A significant number of European cities are faced with the need to implement the assumptions of the European Green Deal, of which the promotion of sustainable urban transport is a part. The article presented a simulation of the Perfect Cycling City Model in real conditions that inspired the design of two scenarios for the fast development of bicycle routes in a key transport network area in Warsaw. Scenario 1 assumes building subsidiary bicycle routes and links between the main routes. In Scenario 2, the development of all optimal cycling links at the local level is assumed. An increase in cycling participation is expected in both scenarios. The comparison of projected costs of each scenario indicated that building a complete network of connections is more profitable in terms of increased cycling participation and could counter the dominance of private car use. For this to happen, measures encouraging individuals combined with improved safety and convenience of cycling around the city must be undertaken.

Estimating the Health Effects of Adding Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths at the Census Tract Level: Multiple Model Comparison

“…There is also significant research focused on understanding the rate at which future use of bicycle and pedestrian paths will change, as commuters who currently do not use bicycle and pedestrian paths start to transition into commuting by foot or bicycle. Waldykowski et al [ 85 ] developed a simulation that explored the conditions under which motor vehicle commuters switch over to commute by bicycle and pedestrian path [ 85 ]. Similarly, Mahfouz et al [ 86 ] combined distance decay, route calculation, and network analysis methods to examine (1) where future bicycle and pedestrian path commuter demand is within a city, (2) if it is likely to rise, and (3) how such demand could be accommodated within existing bicycle and pedestrian path networks.…”

Exploring Jittering and Routing Options for Converting Origin-Destination Data Into Route Networks: Towards Accurate Estimates of Movement at the Street Level

“…Accurate route network representations of transport systems are needed to support investment in a variety of transport interventions (Morgan and Lovelace, 2020). We have focused in this study on cycleway network because a complete cycle network represents one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce car dependence and associated environmental, economic, social and health costs (Wałdykowski et al, 2022). Cycleway networks, rather than simply isolated routes or other geographically sparse interventions, are vital for successful active travel investment (Buehler and Dill, 2016).…”

Handbike Riding in the Brescia Urban Loose Space: Topographical Evaluation and Metabolic Demand Estimation of Four Suitable Tracks

“…The implementation and the usage of these dedicated routes significantly decrease the emission impact, increasing the contribution to sustainability with a particular focus on people with limited motor control [51]. Swift implementation of this complete network not only proves financially viable but also promises a profitable venture with the anticipated surge in hand-cycling participation [52]. Engaging in HB practice on the described tracks could notably enhance physical fitness levels, consequently fostering increased altruistic PA along the dedicated cycling and hand-cycling routes across the city.…”