EUKN - Cyprus - Cycle networks in Cyprus towns

Cycle networks in Cyprus towns

Introduction

Within the scope of providing sustainable alternatives to help alleviate the traffic situation in the four main urban areas of Cyprus, a project was set up to propose the development of cycle routes in greater Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.

Problem

Providing local authorities with a framework to plan for a more diversified transport system through the provision of a system of potential cycle routes.

Description

In 1996, a small team of planners at the Department of Town Planning and Housing started discussing proposals for a LIFE project concerning the expansion of the use of bicycles in the urban areas of Cyprus, where traffic conditions had started to become problematic and it was clear that more attention should be given to alternative modes of transport. The project team began by researching what the minimum width for a cycle lane should be, reading relevant literature, researching the internet etc., thus building up an information network on the issue of bicycle transport. Once the project was approved, one of the first tasks was to proceed with a social survey on bicycle acceptance, to establish what the situation was like in Cyprus. It turned out that 5% of the survey sample was already using a bike a few times per week. The figure was surprisingly high and could not be traced by eye appreciation. So, the potential was undoubtedly there for the project to bear fruit.

Approach

The programme focused on the flowing issues:

density of the cycle network, target groups and main land uses
various sorts of cycle tracks, lanes etc., design standards
selection criteria for each case
dual or single cycle routes
attention to safety, crossings
degree of details needed in various plans
relations between existing road infrastructure and space for cycle routes
road management and traffic calming measures
prioritisation and phasing of cycle route implementation
local reality and local mentality
pragmatic, safe and feasible solutions

Results

In general, the project has managed to work out, evaluate, sort, organise and produce a lot of background information and actual work, which can provide the necessary background for many practical development dilemmas expected in the four study areas in the years to come. Various actions have also been taken so far to safeguard the project’s sustainability; the Department of Town Planning and Housing has proceeded with the dissemination of the work produced to all involved stakeholders, including local authorities. It has also set up of a steering committee which will follow up on the proposals and the implementation of relevant policies and plans through their incorporation in the respective statutory Local Plans.

Beneficiaries

Residents of the four main urban areas of Cyprus.

EU involvement

LIFE (third countries) programme (DG-ENVIRONMENT)

Contact info

Department of Town Planning and Housing, Republic of Cyprus
George Hadjimichael (Project coordinator), tel. +357 22408000

Project start date

01/02/1998

Planned end date

31/05/2001

Links

website of the Department of Town Planning and Housing

Report of the Cycle Networks Pilot Study English

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Transport and infrastructure > Roads and road transport

Keywords

Cycle routes