Cycling as a key component of the Athenian sustainable urban mobility plan

Abstract

The Athenian Strategic Plan for Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUMP) aims to support the most efficient ways of daily commuting towards mitigating limited public spaces, pollution and delays, while increasing individual cycling use and bike sharing services. Bicycle is a major issue in terms of promoting and implementing a robust urban mobility strategy. Improvement of existing infrastructure, development of new networks and specialized lanes, adaptation of the traffic code, awareness raising and integration of technology are among the key aspects of such a strategy. The inclusion of an integrated and coherent cycling network in the Athenian SUMP is the fulfillment of a key strategy, aiming at the development of cycling policies and infrastructure within the overall priorities of a SUMP (i.e. promotion of walking, cycling and public transportation). The promotion and integration of cycling as a bold commuting mode could address a range of mobility problems, making Athens’ transportation environment equivalent to other European capitals’ that are healthier, functional, safe, productive and attract residents, visitors and investors. This paper presents the methodology of designing the Athenian cycling network, within a new concept of mobility management promoting coexistence rather than the conventional separation standards, while at the same time adjusting vehicle speeds in the various street types. Several elements regarding road safety enhancements are reported, as well as the specific terms of introducing cycling in the current network and bus lanes, sidewalks and pedestrian streets. Lastly proposals regard the supplementation of the existing traffic code and other institutional issues of cycling.