Tag Archive: bicycle

  1. Does darkness influence Cycling? Research from Flanders (Belgium)

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    A recent study published in Transport Policy has provided insight into the factors that may influence people’s decisions to cycle when it’s dark, addressing an often overlooked aspect of urban planning and transportation policies. As cycling continues to grow in popularity as an eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation, understanding the barriers to cycling in different conditions is crucial for creating safer and more inclusive cities.

    Darkness as a barrier

    Darkness poses a significant barrier to cycling primarily due to the increased risk of accidents and a heightened sense of social insecurity. While much research has been done into factors that influence cycling, including socio-demographic factors, darkness has rarely been studied. This study, conducted in East Flanders, Belgium, fills this gap by exploring the decision making process for cyclists in relation to darkness.

    Methodology

    The researchers employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. They surveyed 842 cyclists and conducted 26 in-depth, semi-structured interviews to identify the factors that influence the likelihood of cycling in the dark. The analysis revealed several key insights into how different groups of people approach cycling after dark.

    Key Findings: Who Cycles in the Dark?

    One of the study’s significant findings is that familiarity with a route increases the likelihood of cycling in the dark. Cyclists who regularly use a particular route are more confident and likely to continue using it even when visibility is low.

    Age and life stage also play a crucial role. Elderly individuals and retirees are less likely to cycle in the dark compared to younger people, especially those aged 11 to 17. This younger age group often cycles to school early in the morning, sometimes accompanied by a parent. On the other hand, people who ride racing bikes, often cycling in groups, are less likely to venture out in the dark, preferring daylight hours for recreational and sportive activities.

    Interestingly, the type of bicycle also influences cycling habits in the dark. Cyclists using e-bikes and speed pedelecs are more likely to cycle in low-light conditions compared to those using regular bikes. This may be due to the increased speed and convenience these bikes offer, making them more appealing even when visibility is reduced.

    Gender differences also emerged as a significant factor. Women are 84% less likely to cycle in the dark compared to men, primarily due to concerns about social safety. The perception of danger in dark conditions is a strong deterrent, highlighting the need for better lighting and safety measures to encourage more women to cycle.

    The study also found that living in a rural environment positively impacts the likelihood of cycling in the dark compared to urban areas. This may be due to lower traffic volumes and a greater sense of familiarity and safety in rural areas.

    Implications for urban planning and policy

    To increase cycling rates in the dark, cities need to focus on creating a cycling culture that prioritizes safety and inclusivity. This includes designing and implementing infrastructure that addresses the needs of vulnerable groups, such as women and the elderly, and ensures safe and well-lit routes for all cyclists.

    A holistic approach to urban planning is essential, integrating these elements to create environments where cycling can thrive regardless of the time of day. By understanding the diverse factors that influence cycling in the dark, policymakers can develop targeted strategies to overcome these barriers and promote cycling as a safe and viable option for all.

  2. 2024 City Rating reveals cycling disparities across England

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    Source: BikeBiz

    The latest City Ratings, a data analysis tool assessing the bike-friendliness of global cities and towns, has been released. The new annual data reveals that while London leads in England, the country as a whole lags significantly behind other European nations.

    This information is concerning for cyclists and transport advocates, four years after the launch of Gear Change, the outgoing government’s flagship cycling initiative. Gear Change aimed for 50% of urban journeys to be made by walking or cycling by 2030, yet PeopleForBikes’ data highlights the continued lack of safe cycling infrastructure.

    The City Ratings, calculated annually since 2017 by the US advocacy group PeopleForBikes, evaluate cities’ bike network quality and connectivity, including protected bike lanes, bike paths, low speed limits, and safe crossings. This year, the data for England covers London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, Surrey, Cheshire, Oxford, Cambridge, and more.

    London leads the way

    London leads England in cycling amenities, with 16 of the 20 highest-rated boroughs. Cambridge holds the top spot with a score of 84 out of 100, followed by Hackney and Islington, both scoring 82. These areas have fewer “high stress” roads and feature low-speed limits (20 mph). On average, London scores 69, Greater Manchester 49, and the West Midlands 46.

    The aim of the data is to highlight the best cities and towns for cycling and provide city leaders and campaigners with actionable insights to improve cycling in their communities. This release coincides with political parties making transport commitments and outlining their visions for Active Travel.

    In London, the lowest-rated boroughs are Bromley (52), Harrow (51), and Barnet (50), illustrating the significant variation within the city.

    England continues to lag behind other European countries

    Compared to Europe, England lags behind, with the Netherlands dominating the top 10 with five cities: The Hague (89), Utrecht (86), Almere (85), Eindhoven (85), and Amsterdam (85). France, Belgium, and Germany also feature in the top 10. Paris ranks second overall with a score of 87. Internationally, three London boroughs rank among the top 20: Hackney (13th, 82), Islington (15th, 82), and Southwark (19th, 80).

    The West Midlands and Greater Manchester

    The West Midlands and Greater Manchester have shown significant commitments to cycling. Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham launched the Bee Network, integrating transport and cycling, though he faced criticism for rejecting a Clean Air Zone. Greater Manchester’s average rating of 49 lags behind London. The West Midlands, including Birmingham, aims to establish itself as the UK’s second city but falls behind Manchester in the 2024 ratings. Investments and progress under outgoing mayor Andy Street are noted, with campaigners urging similar ambition from the new Labour mayor Richard Parker.

    Amid a general election, campaigners and local authorities seek clarity on the incoming government’s approach to Active Travel. PeopleForBikes hopes this data will empower activists and stakeholders to advocate for safer cycling infrastructure and its benefits.

    Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes’ president and CEO, stated, “The data for England clearly shows not only a divide between London and other cities but also between England and other European countries. We hope this data provides valuable insights for local authorities, campaigners, and everyone advocating for better cycling infrastructure.

    These ratings highlight the progress and ongoing challenges for UK cycling infrastructure. Cambridge’s top ranking and the strong performance of several London boroughs demonstrate what is possible with committed leadership and investment in safe, accessible cycling. Our goal with this data is to celebrate successes and provide actionable steps for city leaders and campaigners to improve cycling infrastructure in their communities. As political parties outline their transportation visions, they must prioritize active transportation to create healthier, more sustainable cities.

  3. More than 3% of car trips could be replaced by bike and public transport

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    Source: News Fietsberaad

    The Knowledge Institute for Mobility (KiM) has conducted a data analysis of information from the Dutch Mobility Panel. It has recommended that, with effective policy measures, combining cycling with public transport has the greatest potential to encourage users to drive less.

    In this study, nine benchmarks were used to analyse if various car journeys by users could have been replaced by public transport and bicycle usage. These included, whether public transport was available, whether the travel duration was less than 1.5 times longer than by car, and if the traveler was healthy enough to walk and cycle instead of drive by car.

    Findings and implications for mobility potential

    KiM’s analysis revealed that the amount of car journeys that could be switched with public transport and bike was 3.4 percent of journeys and 7.8 percent of total distance traveled. They also found that the combination of using the bicycle with public transport was more attractive for longer car journeys that have an average of 33-41 kilometers.

    The study revealed that the travel time and cycling distance to public transport stops and stations could also influence the shift in travel mode, which implied that there could be effective policy measures taken to make travel time shorter, or the bike/public transport experience more comfortable and convenient for people to accept a longer travel time.

    In terms of public transport and bicycle combinations, the analysis highlights the train being combined with the bicycle as having the most potential, with 80-90% of replaceable car trips being estimated to be able to be swapped with this specific combination.

    The analysis also stresses the importance of retaining current public transport and bicycle users, and suggests that employers could also help further to encourage public transport and bike usage, since more than half of the 3% of replaceable car trips were for commuting purposes.

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