Copenhagen - the cyclist's city. I thought I would include a small case study to show what can be done, with the right mentality and council support towards cycling. To anyone that has been to Copenhagen, you will understand what I mean. Cars are clearly outnumbered in the central city, and as far as traffic problems there basically aren't any. The bicycle is a key part of their culture, the council understands and promotes this.Statistics:
Population: 500,000
Privately owned cars: 205,000
Cyclists and Moped users daily: 180,000 (that's 36% of Copenhageners, Auckland is currently on 7%).
N.B approximations, based on the 2005 census.
'Copenhagenize' is a new word emerging in the town planning sector world wide, and it is the idea of creating 'Cyclocentric' cities. Cities where the humble bicycle is the key form of transport, and the methods of planning enabling it to become the key form. Cycle lanes, Promotion, locking facilities and advocacy.
In Copenhagen this has paid off in many more ways. In the most recent cyclist report the local council conducted a study on the benefits of cycling, economically and healthwise for the state.
"2. One extra kilometre of bike lanes on a road:Building bike lanes on streets with an average of 2,500 bikes and 10,000 cars each day would bring 18-20% more bikes on the stretch of road.
Including a drop of 9-10% in the number of cars and 9-10% fewer accidents and injury.
- A saving of 246,000 DKK in the health sector.
- A saving of of 643,000 DKK in lost production.
- A collective fall in health, production and accident costs each year totalling 633,000 DKK.
- The extra kilometre would give 170,000 more cycle kilometres each year."
(Trafictec for the city of Copenhagen, 2006)
Heres a video series on cycling in Copenhagen, what makes it so effective?- Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.
So Auckland one day? would it be possible? whats holding everyone back? and keep in mind that Copenhagen has been a very cycling friendly city for a long time.
-Ross
5 comments:
Ross, i found these videos very thoght provoking! 36% is a descent number of people to be biking and using moped's so why is it such a success in places other than Auckland?!
Government advertising maybe?
Auckland surely has a long way to go to get to this sort of level of transportation!
Hello Ross
Why don't we Copehagenize Auckland? Is it possible?
First of all where is Copenhagen? This article you posted is very interesting as I totally agree with what you've said. If Copenhagen benefited from having more bicycles than cars as a source of transport, then it should work for any other city. It can also reduce the causes of accidents on the road and saving money from buying cars.
Secondly I also believe that this would play a good part in reducing the causes of global warming. Reducing emissions of bad air pollution from cars, trucks, and trains.
If it worked for Copenhagen, why not Auckland?
Can you teach me how to ride a bike so that I can save my petrol?
I beleive it all comes down to there mindset. They see a bike as an equivalent to a car, just as easy (often easier) and it is cheaper. Here we see a car as the easiest and best way, forgetting issues such as parking and petrol? A bike is at most a recreational toy, let alone a valid method of transport. They've been relying on bikes since there invention. Another thing that may play a role is the fact that copenhagen on the whole is flat, especially in the innercity areas. Advertising might work, it could take a while though. In the video series it mentioned at one point cycling was trendy, and people make fashion statements with there bikes. Maybe cycling needs a new image in New Zealand.
-Ross
Poeelama,
Thats an extremely good question, I think slowly we're doing that. Emphasis on slowly mind you. The amount of time and tax payer dollars required to get anywhere near that standard is high to say the least. It also relies on Aucklanders being interested in cycling here and there. Maybe in 10 to 15 years time?.
Copenhagen is the capital of denmark, so in northern europe. Thats the message that needs to be spread, it is only beneficial. Admitidly there was plenty of hard work on Copenhagens part. I think you will find that most European cities are 'Copenhagenised' to various levels. Now we need to take after our forfathers.
In my mind, there is no valid reason why it wouldnt work. Sure we have hills, but nothing major, and what goes up must come down. It also requires work, but with the benifits seen in Copenhagen it really is worth it, yes?.
-Ross
Oh also, if your seriously interested in learning how to ride a bike I'm happy to help..
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