Conference In: cienciavitae
User's needs and preferences for network cycling planning and management in the city of Lisbon, a Starter city
ICHC2013 - XXIVth International Cycling History Conference
— 2013
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Published in
May 15, 2013
Abstract
In cities where the use of bicycle is growing as a mean of transport planning of cycling network still lacks data on its real use. Usually it is the theory and good practices of other cities that informs the development of solutions for the cycling network plan, but sometimes it does not respond to bicycle users in their own city. This information is a key element in the management of a transport network, in changing to a new paradigm of urban mobility. Lisbon, a cycling Starter city - using the classification of PRESTO project - that is taking the first steps on promoting this mean of transport, was chosen as case study. The lack of information on issues such as ‘who are actually the users of bicycle in Lisbon’, their ‘level of cycling experience’, ‘how and for what purposes do they move’, ’bicycle user profiles’, ‘route choice criteria’, ‘type of bicycle they use’, ‘urban behaviour’, ‘accidents and thefts’, ‘community integration’, ‘needs and suggestions’ represent some of the main gaps that should be filled. For that purpose it was conducted an extensive survey for Lisbon’ bicycle users, with more than 1000 participants. Among many conclusions, the analysis to the results revealed that Lisbon’ urban cyclists declare a heightened concern on safety issues. Their most important route choice criteria are safety, streets with low traffic speed and state preference for cycling on bike lanes. Half of the sample declares helmet wearing, and 22% rides on the sidewalk, where is forbidden by the Portuguese street code. Even when docking their bicycle, almost no one leaves its bike on the street at night which seem to have implications in store bicycles inside buildings and may influence future urban policies, A statistical treatment on the survey data through a multivariate statistical analysis using different techniques made possible to define three profiles of Lisbon cyclists, with different preferences in route choices: Beginner, Weekend Sportist and Commuter, which may have different needs and claims. These profiles seem to be relevant for the development of biking policies and mobility strategies in the city of Lisbon. Survey results show that bicycle users acknowledge the relevance of a bike route planner and a communication platform between users and the local authority (the municipality of Lisbon) responsible for mobility management and infrastructure which reveals that cyclists are willing to participate on the development of cycling strategies. This information tool would have at the same time the capacity to produce useful information for managing the cycling network (maintenance, pavement quality, etc) and inform strategies of urban mobility (improving/expanding the cycling network, services for cyclists, etc), as earlier proposed (2012). A complementary analysis also made, reveal that Lisbon, known as the city of seven hills, has a topography that it’s not a barrier to cycling. Combined with the results of the survey Lisbon seem to have a great potential and appealing for the development of a cycling culture which may reinforce the attachment to their users and visitors.
Publication details
Authors in the community:
Rosa Melo Félix
ist155593
Title of the publication container
ICHC2013 - XXIVth International Cycling History Conference
Location of the conference
Portugal
Conference date start
May 15, 2013
Fields of Science and Technology (FOS)
civil-engineering - Civil engineering
Publication language (ISO code)
eng - English
Rights type:
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