Citation

No Author(s) Listed. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2016; 22(1/2): 193-202.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article presents a summary of European Union EVIDENCE Project Measure Number 20, which addresses bicycling. The EVIDENCE project identified and assessed existing evidence for economic benefits arising from sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP), focusing on project appraisal methods. In addition to economic benefits, the measures will often also have benefits in social or environmental domains. This measure covers new carriageway bike lanes, new off-road paths, bike loan schemes, and bikeability training. Key messages include: Positive Benefit-Cost-Ratios (BCRs) are seen for networks of cycle paths, based on journey time savings and lower health and fuel costs; positive BCRs at the lower end of the scale derive benefits mainly from the value of time; health benefits contribute the additional value at the top of the BCR range; leisure-based networks can also bring benefits in respect of new job creation and additional economic activity; appropriate infrastructure provision for cycle traffic, forming comprehensive networks of routes, is essential to encourage cycling; these networks need to be built up from components such as safe junctions and bridges which create suitably direct routes for cycle traffic; there is some lack of clarity as to what specific links, or provision at junctions, would be deemed most suitable by users and potential users; and there is a perception that it is safer to separate cycle traffic from motor traffic, and that off-road paths are therefore required.

© 2016 World Transport Policy & Practice Journal

Language: en

Keywords

Benefit cost analysis; Travel time; Bicycling; Bikeways; Sustainable development; Bicycle lanes; Vehicle mix; Physical fitness; Economic development