Citation

Kollaros G, Athanasopoulou A. J. Civil Eng. Archit. 2016; 10(3): 335-343.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, David Publishing)

DOI

10.17265/1934-7359/2016.03.008

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Considering that non-motorized transport along with public transport are resourceful forms of mobility, this research aimed to investigate the serviceability of integrated bicycle path networks in towns of medium size. Factors impacting bicycle use in medium sized cities (urban planning, other transport means, adequacy of installations and parking spaces, etc.) have been examined. Bicycle can be something more than a sport or entertainment activity and has the potential to become an efficient means of transport. Xanthi is a medium sized town in Northern Greece. Its total area is 153 km2 and 65,000 people live there. An analysis of the existing traffic schemes in the city has pointed out the necessity of an organized bicycle paths network both cost effective and time saving. The main characteristics of such a network are described, hoping that in its completed form could impose the features of sustainable mobility and would be a paradigm for mid-sized cities in the country. Cars could be kept out of the central part of Xanthi if a bicycle paths network is built using a ring-like scheme, since the residents favor the use of bicycle. Local authorities' plans must encourage the lending of public owned bicycles.

Language: en