Frida Panzar
Marketing & Business Developer, Infra Services, NCC Infrastructure
Time for a new cycling infrastructure
Cycling is a means of transport that is rapidly regaining ground. At the same time, there is a broad-based desire to promote and encourage cycling in society. The bicycle is the second to none from a sustainability point of view. A modern infrastructure is now required for one of the most natural means of transport of the future.
Cycling is fast, flexible, low-cost and promotes good health. If more people cycled in cities, traffic congestion would be a thing of the past. There would be less noise and the air we breathe would be cleaner. However, if we are to succeed in developing a first-class cycling infrastructure, all the stakeholders in both private and public sectors must make a concerted effort.
The bicycle is its own mode of transport
We believe that, in future, the bicycle will attain the same, obvious position as a life-style habit that the car has enjoyed for a long time, at home, at work and in society. The time is right to treat the bicycle as its own mode of transport in its own right, when developing urban areas. We need a cycling infrastructure that will enable cyclists to travel easily, quickly and safely. You should be able to park your bike without problems and travel smoothly and safely over municipal boundaries.
For us at NCC, a first-class cycling infrastructure is a prerequisite of meeting the sustainability challenges faced by society – environmentally, socially and financially.Frida Panzar, Business Development Manager, responsible for NCC Cycle Logics™
Creating smart cycling infrastructure through cooperation
NCC believes that cooperation is a positive starting point to develop a smart cycling infrastructure for the future. We work in networks together with various stakeholders in the cycling issues. In addition, we are liaising with a lawyer who is looking at the opportunities for municipalities to cooperate on a cycling infrastructure within the framework of the Public Procurement Act.
NCC has gathered together a Nordic team to manage cycling-related issues in a wider perspective. The entire cycling flow– from the home to the place of work and the various service functions, and the roads that link these places, play a central role. Our various business areas contribute with the know-how and the insights they have gained from all types of urban development projects in different countries. Where the bicycle is treated as a natural element.
More than just building cycle lanes
Currently, our development efforts focus on three areas: smart bicycle parking solutions, longer cross-city cycling routes and safe passage for cyclist. We have gathered together functional and safe solutions under the name NCC Cycle Logics.
Long, connected cycle routes that enable commuter cyclists to cross the cities, are not only necessary, they are also extremely cost effective. If we become involved at an early stage of the process, we as builders of the cycle lanes can plan more efficiently and carry out some of the work during the off-peak season, for instance. This approach ensures more infrastructure for the money spent. The goal is to find safe and functional solutions for all types of cyclists, from children on their way to school to the "Lycra-clad cyclists" who commutes to work on by bicycle at high speed.
At NCC, we are accustomed to working with roads and cycle lanes. That is why we are putting the spotlight on smart and safe passages for all road-users including cyclists. Furthermore, everyone who is trained in the "Work on the road" by NCC will receives an introduction to the daily life of a cyclist. What are the hazardous and dangers for cyclist and how should they be avoided? Which solutions are safer?
The cycling infrastructure is an investment in society
The car is currently the most popular way to commute to work. On average, each journey takes approximately 30 minutes, so travel times are relatively short. By enabling people to cycle to a greater extent, we can take a significant step forward towards to a better life style and closer to a fossil-free society.
Cycling provides major socioeconomic gains. The research speaks for itself: Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduced sickness absence and enormous health benefits compared with driving a car.
An inclusive city
Bicycles don't need to cost a lot so they are easily accessible for everyone. Increased mobility for everyone creates a more inclusive city. In this way, cycling can contribute to reducing social exclusion.
