12.06.2024
We have recently had several discussions with developers and city planners about improving cycling infrastructure and we would like to share with you some key observations, ideas and possible solutions to these challenges. While government funding for improving cycling infrastructure is currently limited, we strongly believe that by working together with the private sector we can achieve significant positive changes. This collaboration can open new doors and opportunities that will benefit us all in the long run. In this article, we look specifically at the bottlenecks in planning, practical examples from around the world, and how the private sector can contribute to the development of cycling infrastructure.
The bottlenecks in City planning
One of the biggest challenges in developing cycling infrastructure is the bottlenecks caused by city planning. Developers and planners are often faced with situations where the implementation of ecological and quality cycle parking solutions often results in the loss of building squares. This forces difficult choices between residential, warehouse or office space and cycling infrastructure, creating pressure and slowing the flow of private investment. It is therefore necessary to review zoning practices. What if barriers to planning were removed and those who implement green solutions were not only encouraged but also rewarded?
Reforming urban planning
As a
solution, we propose a reform of zoning to encourage and reward those who
implement high-quality and ecological bicycle parking solutions. If the
implementation of bicycle parking is environmentally friendly and of high
quality, it should not consume building rights. On the contrary, it should
encourage investment. This change in zoning would significantly support
sustainable development and improve cycling infrastructure. However, these
reforms will require more than just public sector support; this is where the
role of the private sector becomes crucial.
Zoning
reform can also include incentives such as tax breaks and other financial
benefits that make investment more attractive to private operators. In
addition, closer cooperation between planners, developers and communities can
lead to innovative solutions that serve all parties and contribute to
sustainable urban development.
Bureaucracy
and lengthy approval processes slow down the progress of innovative cycling
infrastructure projects. Urban planning could introduce fast-track approval
processes for projects that meet certain sustainability criteria. This could
include the use of green building techniques and energy efficient solutions.
Practical Examples from around the World
US: the
Final Mile programme
The Final
Mile programme, which has been implemented in cities such as Austin, Denver,
New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Providence, has shown how ambitious targets and
political support can accelerate the expansion of cycling infrastructure. The
programme included communication, technical support and engineering assistance
that helped these cities to significantly improve their bikeway networks.
Denmark:
Copenhagen
Copenhagen,
a well-known cycling city, has invested continuously in cycling infrastructure
such as cycle bridges and extended cycle paths. This has increased the
popularity of cycling and improved the quality of life for residents. Cycling
has been integrated into urban planning, making Copenhagen one of the most
cycle-friendly cities in the world.
Netherlands:
Utrecht
Utrecht has
built the world's largest cycle parking facility with 22 000 spaces and
expanded its cycling networks using digital systems to manage parking. This has
increased the attractiveness of cycling in the city and cycling needs have been
put at the heart of planning.
Colombia:
Bogotá
Bogotá has
responded to the challenges of congestion by building temporary and permanent
cycle lanes and increasing safety solutions for cycling. This has been part of
a wider strategy to promote cycling and improve urban mobility in one of the
world's most congested cities.
Involving the private sector
A cycling
infrastructure built on public funding alone limits the speed of expansion,
innovation and access to cycling infrastructure where it is quickly needed.
This is why private sector involvement is essential. In our discussions with
planners, we have identified several ways in which the private sector can
support sustainable development and infrastructure improvements.
Private
sector involvement can bring significant additional funding, new ideas and
innovative solutions for cycling infrastructure development. Public-private
partnerships (PPPs) are an effective way to speed up project implementation and
ensure high quality outcomes.
Private Sector Incentives
Having
looked at the bottlenecks in the planning process and their impact on the
development of cycling infrastructure, it is clear that there is room for
reform. By reforming our zoning, we can better support the implementation of
ecological and quality cycle parking solutions. This brings us naturally to the
next topic: how the private sector can get involved and help to deliver these
reforms. The role of the private sector is not only as a financier but also as
an innovator that can bring new perspectives and solutions to the challenges of
cycling infrastructure.
We
therefore propose that the planning process should introduce a range of
incentives for private operators to invest in ecological, community-supportive
and high-quality cycle parking. These incentives could include tax breaks,
investment subsidies and other financial benefits that make private investment
more attractive and ensure that private money is channeled towards sustainable
projects.
Close
cooperation between the public and private sectors creates synergies that
benefit both sides. Joint projects between cities and businesses lead to more
efficient and sustainable solutions. The expertise and resources of private
operators, combined with public sector objectives and regulation, can produce
excellent results.
Ecological Incentives
In addition to economic benefits, incentives should include ecological incentives. For example, projects that improve cycle infrastructure could be given priority for environmental permits or benefit from specific ecological compensation mechanisms.
Community projects and partnership models
Incentives can also be targeted at community projects where residents, businesses and the public sector work together to promote cycling. Such projects can make use of community funding, where local actors and residents invest together in cycling infrastructure. Businesses can participate in projects, providing them with visibility and marketing opportunities in return for their support.
Transparency and Participation in Urban Planning Processes
Increasing
transparency and openness in the planning process is key to community
engagement. This can be achieved, for example, by developing open databases and
mapping services that allow citizens to actively monitor and participate in the
planning process. Such an approach allows for real-time interaction and gives
residents the opportunity to directly influence decisions that affect them.
Improving
the transparency of the planning process will also help to target resources
where they are most needed. By allowing residents to highlight areas that would
benefit most from improvements to cycling infrastructure, planning can respond
more quickly and accurately to community needs.
Biketti Oy's Role and Cooperation Opportunities
Biketti Ltd
is committed to being more than just a supplier of bike parking solutions. Our
role is to be an active partner in the sustainable mobility ecosystem. We are
proud that our products and services meet the market demand driven by the EU
and Finnish climate targets and contribute to sustainable development.
Dialogue
is our core competence. We will continue to work closely with planners, designers and
communities to jointly identify and exploit new opportunities for cycling
infrastructure development. We strive to be a bridge builder, bringing together
different stakeholders and promoting long-term solutions.
Education
and knowledge sharing are important to us. We offer workshops and trainings focusing on
the benefits of cycling and sustainable mobility and best practices. Our aim is
to raise awareness and knowledge, which in turn will strengthen the sector as a
whole.
We are
committed to open interaction. Discussions and cooperation are not limited to discussions with our
stakeholders, but we actively seek to involve you, our valued customers and
partners. We welcome you to join the discussion and contribute to how we can
work together to build a more sustainable urban environment, in whatever role
you play.
Innovation
and collaboration are key as we work together to develop more functional, safe and ecological
solutions. All ideas are welcome, and we look forward to exploring new
possibilities with you.
Promoting
sustainable mobility is our common goal. We hope that this newsletter will serve as an
inspiration and a discussion starter. Together, we can make big changes that
will be seen and felt in everyone's daily lives.
Have a
relaxed ride and safe kilometers, Biketti team
