Cycling in your city is not only popular because the infrastructure for it is there and wonderful, there’s is also a vibrant cycling culture that includes everyone, even children? So how to improve what’s already pretty good? We’ll take you through the next steps.
Advanced cities, such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, feature cutting edge cycling infrastructure and see cycling as integral to their way of life. These cities should focus on trialling new innovative ideas to optimise cycling as the best transport choice.
Next steps to becoming even more bike-friendly:
1. Campaigns focused on remaining motorists
Whilst general campaigns for cycling should endure, advanced cities should also focus on understanding which groups still do not cycle, why and how best to accommodate them. Check the demographics of your cycling community and find out who you haven’t convinced just yet.
2. Cargo bikes in City Logistics
Postal services, deliveries and other transported goods can be done with cargo bikes. For advice on how to make this a reality, see this webinar about Berlin’s promotion of cargo bikes.
3. Install E-bike Stations
As e-bikes and speed pedelecs become more popular, cities can maximise their comfort by implementing specific e-bike infrastructure.
4. Sharing cycling infrastructure with e-scooters
As e-scooters companies expand, cities need to understand how best to deal with this form of transport. For pointers on how to go about this, see ‘How to share bike lanes with e-scooters‘.
5. Arrange for Cycle-Friendly Traffic Lights
By giving the green light to cyclists, this highlights the city’s commitment to cycling. IN 2015, Rotterdam, for example, installed rain sensors on traffic lights and prioritises cyclists when it starts raining, decreasing waiting times for cyclists by 40 seconds on average. The first “green wave” for cyclists in Copenhagen even dates back to 2007.
6. Implement Innovative Infrastructure
From leaning rubbish bins to uphill cycling aids, there are plenty of exciting ideas to explore. As advanced cities, trial new ideas and see what works. To get a first idea of what works elsewhere, check out this list by the Cycling Embassy of Denmark.
Lastly…
There are always ways to improve cycling in your city, even if you’re already pretty good at it. Keep going, many innovations are out there, you’ve might not even heard of but that could make your city even better.