Aalborg Universitet Bike Infrastructures Report Silva, Victor ... - VBN

5.0 CONCLUSION
The decision to use a web survey and flyers as main
method to collect data had both advantages and disadvantages.
The data was efficiently transferred to the data
basis and the distribution of flyers was an efficient mode
to contact cyclists without interrupting the flow of traffic.
On the other hand, the web survey based questionnaire
did not allow for a very comprehensive questionnaire.
Therefore, we had a limited number of questions.
In the three case studies, the majority of respondents answered
that they ride a bike in their respectively infrastructures
with the main purpose to go to work. The result indicates
that different typologies or a conjugation of typologies
can be efficiently used for commuting. What seems to be
important is how fast the infrastructure connects the cyclists
and how safe it is to ride a bike in the infrastructure.
The study aimed to give an overview in regards to what
design characteristics would be relevant to individuals’
decision to ride a bike. The quantitative analysis – mainly
used in this study – provided indications of possible relevant
design factors and also relations between sociodemographic
factors and how design characteristics influence
the individual decision to ride a bike.
The findings highlight important factors as such the relevance
of fast connectivity and safety for cyclists. The
results suggest that both fast connectivity and safety are
strategic dimensions of a design solution that must be
taken in consideration by architects, planners and engineers.
Based on the comparison between the three case studies,
the shared-used space seems to present more challenges
for the cyclists who need to ride their bikes and,
at the same time, negotiate their space with pedestrians.
Shared-use spaces are not common in Denmark, but they
can be an alternative way to create more lively cities enhancing
a variety of experiences.
The findings indicate that purpose-built bicycle-only facilities
are perceived by cyclists as safer environments to
ride a bike.
The three studied typologies have both advantages and
disadvantages and there is not one better than another.
When deciding to implement or improve a bike infrastructure,
the particular qualities and potentials of each typology
should be analyzed in order to decide what kind of bike
infrastructure would be appropriate to be implemented.
Figure 5.1: Cyclists and pedestrians at Vestergade Vest.
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