Background & ObjectivesSustainable mobility is also a cultural matter. Among infrastructures, one of the main goals is getting people change their behaviours, in this case getting people on the bike. This action is part of a comprehensive strategy of the local administration that lead in the past years to the development of a system for bike (with 8 main routes) and a new logo (visible on the “bicycle barometer”), to the creation of a whole corporate design covering all aspects and all activities of bike mobility in Bolzano/Bozen.
Biking has to become and to be perceived as a mobility system, with the same dignity and importance as the other transportation systems in a city. To enhance this perception, a guided system along the bike lanes has been realized, with all the signs necessary to help the cyclist find the main landmarks in the city. The principal bike lanes have different colours, similar to under-ground lines.
ImplementationThe “bicycle barometer” is first of all a marketing strategy in order to promote bike as everyday mean of transport that fits perfectly mobility needs in the city.
The main goal of the action is getting people aware (and surprised) how many cyclists are actually passing through this measurement point. This will lead to a better identification with the bike mobility in the city as a system and getting people to cycle more.
|
ConclusionsThe device has been installed on May, 14th 2006. After less than 10 days the total number of cyclist is close to 80.000 in both directions with a daily average of 8700 bicycles. The one millionth-biker pass trough the counter is expected in january.
The city of Bolzano is constantly improving its bike modal split that now is close to 25% on annual average. It is a significant contribution to the environment, to the life quality and to the citizens’ health.
Similar bicycle counting machines exist in several cities e.g. in Odense and Copenhagen in Denmark.
AuthorRené Rinner
Contact René Rinner
|
