Bicycle transport infrastructure and the challenge of decarbonizing road transport in Polish urban centers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main objective of the study is to analyze whether bicycle transport within urban logistics could be one of the elements in response to the challenges associated with road transport decarbonization in the future.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The data sources used (CSO, bank of local data, CPB platform) allowed us to apply an analysis of the structure and dynamics of phenomena related to the development and condition of road infrastructure for bicycles in urban centers in Poland. In addition, an analysis and comparison of spatial needs for automobile and bicycle transportation in urban conditions was carried out, as well as a SWOT analysis for bicycle traffic.

FINDINGS: ITF simulations have shown that, in the context of urban transport, it's already possible to achieve a reduction of CO2 and other pollutants, and thus realize the objectives related to decarbonization of road transport. Bicycles play a very important role in this context. By nature, they are environmentally friendly and emission-free (noise, pollution), thus, they seem to be an ideal response to the challenges associated with urban transportation in the face of decarbonization challenges.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The problem is issues related to the transformational reorganization of transport networks in cities. Poland's large cities have some advantages over smaller cities in this regard. A partial bicycle infrastructure already exists in large urban centers. In large urban centers, there's already partial bicycle infrastructure, which can serve as an excel-lent skeleton for further expansion and the future transportation network of the city. To achieve decarbonization objectives means that vehicles should be eco-friendly and utilized as efficiently as possible – which from today's perspective means services like sharing platforms or taxi services.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The conducted SWOT analysis for bicycles as a means of transportation in the city on a larger scale reveals that strengths outweigh weaknesses, while opportunities and threats are almost balanced. This argues for the creation of car-free zones in cities and zones with restricted motor vehicle traffic. Bicycle transportation has a large potential for utilization in the urban environment, mainly deriving from the inherent strengths of bicycles as a means of transport. However, external conditions pose a challenge.