A Recommendation for a Bicycle Network in Berlin Based on the Guidelines of Copenhagen
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UNICA Euromaster in Urban Studies 4Cities Etropolszky, Karen Alice Master Thesis 2013 A recommendation for a bicycle network in Berlin based on the guidelines of Copenhagen Supervisor: Fernando Moliní Second reader: Martin Zerlang Submission: September 1st, 2013 Year of defence: 2013 Abstract The following research investigates the cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen and Berlin within the framework of a comparative case study. After identifying the guidelines of the Copenhagen cycling network, the guidelines are applied to Berlin in order to create a bicycle network recommendation. The research questions are the following: How would the city of Berlin develop their cycling infrastructure when following the guidelines of the city of Copenhagen? What are the benefits and disadvantages of cycling? What role does cycling play in a European context? Which factors play a role in cycling behavior? What is the current status of these factors in the two case studies? How can the development guidelines of Copenhagen be applied on the case study of Berlin? The research is both qualitative and quantitative, involving expert interviews and a self-conducted survey with over 400 participants. The final product of the research is a network recommendation for cycling infrastructure in the city of Berlin, comprised of both a more detailed plan for the inner city, and one for the entire city. Acknowledgments The idea for the following research derived from my growing interest in urban mobility. After spending my first winter on a bicycle, I believe that bikes have a significant potential in urban areas and I would like to contribute to the discussion on urban cycling. I would like to thank everyone who in some way or form contributed to making this research possible. I would especially like to thank: My thesis supervisor Fernando Moliní, who guided me through my work and was available at all times, even during holidays for questions and feedback, those participating in my survey and interviews, everyone who contributed to my education and work experience, my parents, without whom I would have not had the opportunity to receive my education, Thomas, for all his time and effort helping me, Gilda and last but not least Mads for the support. Table of Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Research question ...............................................................................................................1 1.2 Methodology .......................................................................................................................1 1.3 Research constraints ...........................................................................................................4 1.3.1 Limitations ...................................................................................................................4 2 The context of cycling .................................................................................................................5 2.1 Developments in Urban Mobility .........................................................................................5 2.2 The benefits of cycling .........................................................................................................6 2.2.1 Health benefits ............................................................................................................6 2.2.2 Environmental benefits ................................................................................................6 2.2.3 Economic benefits .......................................................................................................7 2.2.4 Social benefits ..............................................................................................................7 2.2.5 Transport efficiency benefits ........................................................................................8 2.3 Disadvantages of cycling ......................................................................................................8 2.4 Cycling and the EU ...............................................................................................................8 2.5 Cycling in numbers in the EU ............................................................................................. 10 3 Factors influencing cycling behaviour ........................................................................................ 12 3.1 Factors directly influencing cycling road infrastructure ...................................................... 12 3.1.1 The types of cycling road infrastructure ..................................................................... 12 3.1.1.1 Shared streets and shared lanes ............................................................................. 12 3.1.1.2 Bike lanes ............................................................................................................... 13 3.1.1.3 Separated paths / Cycle tracks ............................................................................... 14 3.1.1.4 Standalone paths ................................................................................................... 15 3.1.2 Intersection Design and lights .................................................................................... 15 3.1.3 Safety and separation ................................................................................................ 15 3.1.4 Traffic Calming ........................................................................................................... 16 3.1.5 Land use planning ...................................................................................................... 16 3.1.5.1 Density and distances............................................................................................. 16 3.1.5.2 Network density ..................................................................................................... 17 3.2 Other factors ..................................................................................................................... 18 3.2.1 Bike sharing ............................................................................................................... 18 3.2.2 Bicycle parking and security ....................................................................................... 18 3.2.3 Health and social status ............................................................................................. 18 3.2.4 Weather and topology ............................................................................................... 18 3.2.5 Government and policies ........................................................................................... 19 3.2.5.1 Information and Networking .................................................................................. 20 3.2.5.2 Finances ................................................................................................................. 20 4 Case Studies .............................................................................................................................. 21 4.1 Copenhagen ...................................................................................................................... 21 4.2 Berlin ................................................................................................................................. 22 4.3 Berlin and Copenhagen in comparison ............................................................................... 23 4.4 Short historic perspective of cycling ................................................................................... 24 4.4.1 Historic perspective Copenhagen ............................................................................... 25 4.4.2 Historic perspective Berlin ......................................................................................... 26 4.5 Share of cycling ................................................................................................................. 27 4.5.1 Share of cycling Copenhagen ..................................................................................... 28 4.5.2 Share of cycling Berlin ................................................................................................ 32 4.6 The types of cycling road infrastructure ............................................................................. 35 4.6.1 Infrastructure Copenhagen ........................................................................................ 35 4.6.1.1 Green waves and lights .......................................................................................... 41 4.6.1.2 Intersection design ................................................................................................. 42 4.6.1.3 Bicycle bridges ....................................................................................................... 43 4.6.2 Infrastructure Berlin................................................................................................... 44 4.7 Safety ................................................................................................................................ 53 4.7.1 Safety Copenhagen .................................................................................................... 53 4.7.2 Safety Berlin .............................................................................................................. 54 4.8 Traffic calming ..................................................................................................................