Realising a Modal Shift: Greater Bristol Cycling City
Bristol and South Gloucestershire have teamed up to encourage cycling through better infrastructure, training and promotion. In the light of sustainability and energy efficiency this modal shift can contribute not only to a better air quality, but also to less congestion, safer roads, improved health and well-being and a fresh perspective on the city. Through the Greater Bristol Cycling City Delivery Strategy 2008-2011 a transfer from car to bicycle use is being stimulated.
Description
The aim of the project is to double the number of regular
cyclists in Greater Bristol through delivering information and
infrastructure which links people, where they live, to work,
school, shopping and leisure activities, as well as providing them
with the skills to confidently undertake bicycle journeys.
Cycling should thus be embedded as a real alternative choice of
transport for short journeys within the whole of the urban area of
Greater Bristol. The targets of this project are:
- Doubling cycling to work;
- Doubling cycling to school;
- Double cycle flows counted on existing cordons and screenlines;
- Double the provision of on-street cycle parking;
- Double the number of people who see cycling as a realistic travel option in Greater Bristol.
This should result in improved health for the wider population,
reduced pollution and congestion and improved road safety for
vulnerable road users. These goals can only be met when getting new
people to cycle. Traffic models have identified that 45,000 people
in Bristol use their cars for journeys of less than 5 km, which
makes this group an important target.
Approach
The project is based on the involvements of as many stakeholders
as possible, such as local business, the voluntary sector, cycling
organisations and community partnerships. Within the local
government political leadership is ensured, as well as sufficient
dedicated staff members.
The project will include PR and events, infrastructure development,
bike training and contacts wit schools and local employers to
stimulate the use of a bicycle. A detailed planning of specific
measures that will be taken is provided for in the document, and
can be of an inspiration to other local governments wishing to
promote cycling as a real alternative mode of transport.
Results
As the project is still in its implementation phase, the results
are not yet clear. The cycling project preceding this project has
been successful in increasing bicycle use by 26% over the years
2003-2007.
Publication date
2008
Document Type
Practice Document
- Rating:
Rated 0 time(s)