Toward cyclable cities: An alternative urban development strategy

What is it about?

Climate change is a current threat worldwide. A major contribution to climate change comes from polluting gases released by road transport. One way to make transport climate friendly is by adopting cycling. Cheap and energy-saving, cycling reduces noise pollution and improves health and road safety. As a result, cycling could become an innovative strategy for sustainable city planning. In this study, the authors adopt a method for assessing roadways in the city of Potenza, Italy. They analyze the geography and arrangements of the street networks in space, and arrive at a design to develop cycling as a transport mode. Their results can guide the development of an urban cycle facility in Potenza and in other cities as well as promote cycle-tourism.

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Photo by Andrew Gook on Unsplash

Photo by Andrew Gook on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Cycling is an energy-efficient mode of traveling. It is also cheap, pollution-free, safe, and healthy. To build a sustainable city, city planners must promote cycling as an efficient mode of transport. This study provides the basics necessary for city planning strategies to develop such facilities. KEY TAKEAWAY: Adopting cycling as a transport mode could help us move toward sustainable city living. A good strategy for promoting cycling in the city must contain both a city planning that includes cycling as a form of travel as well as public bike sharing systems with e-mobility. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being