Improved bicycle network to increase bicycle use

Summary

The objective of this measure was to link up various bike lanes into a single network and to foster bicycle use by changing people’s perceptions of cycling from being a leisure-time activity to an everyday means of transportation.

Implementing sustainable mobility

During the 1990s, cycling as a means of daily transport was virtually non-existent in Burgos, even though the topography and layout of the city were ideal for bicycle use as it is flat, with wide avenues and green spaces. For many years there was a demand in Burgos for bike lanes that would allow safe and comfortable cycling throughout the city. Various sections of bike path were created according to the new urban development plans as well as paths connecting the city to the green belt at its edge. Nevertheless, the emerging bike lanes were not interconnected and not all of them ensured the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, since they were located on pavements shared with pedestrians. A bike lane extension project was developed, which, for a medium-sized city like Burgos, was an important step towards establishing an integrated bicycle network.

The principle goals were to:

• link up existing sections of bike path and connect them with schools, public buildings, commercial areas, markets and shops and business zones;
• improve safety and signage on bike lanes by installing traffic lights and road markings, and provide facilities such as information panels with cycle lane maps and secure parking areas;
• promote the use of the bicycle as an alternative means of transport within the city, and between the city and its periphery; and
• build public perception of cycling as a daily mode of transport rather than as a leisure-time activity.

Implementation was supported by public information campaigns and direct marketing activities to promote the advantages of cycling as a sustainable pollution-free mode of transport.

Progress

The first step was to analyse the existing bike lanes and define how they would fit into the new network. Routes could then be designed taking into account the demands of cyclists as well as safety requirements, and creating a complete network from the various unconnected sections. Following a study of the state and use of bicycle parking facilities, new infrastructure was installed.  Educational and marketing campaigns were then implemented, including a poster design competition.

Outcomes

• Some 230 new bike racks were installed.
• Campaigns were implemented to encourage mutual respect between pedestrians and cyclists.
• An additional 15 km of bike lanes were developed, making a total of 48 km of safe bike lanes in the city. This means that Burgos is the fifth city in Spain in terms of length of cycle lanes.