Cycling Infrastructure for All EPACs Included?

Abstract

A modal shift to electric pedal-assisted cycles (EPACs) can help with reaching the transport emission goals of the European Green Deal. With the rising sales of EPACs in Europe, a lack of appropriate (electric) cycling infrastructure remains a major barrier for many potential users. This paper discusses the results of a survey about the requirements of (potential) cyclists to design a better cycling infrastructure. The differences in requirements for non-cyclists vs. cyclists and electric cyclists vs. conventional cyclists are discussed using statistical analysis. The key findings are that cyclists and non-cyclists both require wide quality cycling infrastructure with safe crossing points, secure bicycle parking and smart traffic lights. Non-cyclists’ requirements significantly differ from cyclists’ on 12 items, of which rain cover while cycling and parking spots for the car are the most noteworthy. There is (but) one significant difference between the requirements of EPAC users and conventional cyclists: the need for charging points for EPACs along the cycle route.

Shifting the focus

“…Asphalt, for instance, is preferred to materials such as cobblestones in areas where high use of small-wheeled vehicles is expected. The provision of micromobility-specific traffic lights and signalling is also important (Van den Steen et al, 2022). These changes will require street space reallocation in favour of emerging vehicle technologies (ITF, 2022b).…”

Physical Activity and Ecological Means of Transport—Functional Assessment Methodology

“…Other popular means of transport in cities are electric bicycles and scooters [ 25 ]. Estimates of recent changes in urban transport mode preferences in the USA show that e-scooters could also replace up to 1% of taxi trips in central urban areas [ 26 ].…”