Archi.ru recently talked about a project by British architects who proposed to build bicycle racks in London. Now we would like to bring to your attention the project of the bicycle policy - raised above the street level of bicycle paths in the tunnels - which has been developed since 2011 by the “Architectural workshop of Arthur Aitbagin”.
We publish the text of Artur Aitbagin.
In a modern city, residents should feel comfortable. For walks, they need boulevards, squares and parks, and to travel long distances, they need a developed transport system and convenient roads. In the modern era, environmentally friendly modes of transport are especially relevant, including an extensive network of bike paths. At the same time, if traditional transport is used at any time of the year, then the bicycle is considered a purely "seasonal phenomenon" in our country. However, it is worth discussing the issue of creating a year-round cycling city in Kazan.
The very idea of covered bike paths is not new: even in the last century, it was proposed to build such a road in Moscow, although in the capital this is probably justified only in residential areas. And in Europe, cycling politics is not very relevant: there is no such problem with snow and frost as we have, so in winter you can perfectly ride on ordinary, street bike paths, and in general, a high culture of road traffic, covering all its participants, provides cyclists with safety and comfort. At the same time, it is realistic to create cycling politics only in large cities, although few million-plus cities are located in the climatic zones of the planet rich in snow and cold. Therefore, this project is suitable primarily for Russia.
The implementation of such a transport system has its own complexities. It would be difficult to build a bicycle political in a cramped, small-scale historical center. And in other areas, not everywhere, it can fit into existing streets, both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. Therefore, the possible route of the bicycle route is rather limited, although in other places it will be indispensable for connecting certain urban areas. At the same time, it is important to clarify: although bike politics can be viewed as an idea for any city, it is more likely an option for solving transport problems that is suitable only for a specific situation. For many cities, such a system is not a realistic way out of the transport crisis.
Kazan, like many other large cities, faced the problem of traffic jams, and therefore, questions about alternative, environmentally friendly modes of transport were acute. When considering the options for the development of the transport infrastructure of our city, we identified the possibility of using cycling in some of its areas.
Kazan developed within the framework of a radial planning structure, gradually acquiring new areas and a larger scale. Now the city has a long, wide and busy ring road "ringing" it, passing through densely populated areas. Along its entire length, two multi-lane carriageways are separated by tram tracks running in the middle. On this road, it would be possible to lay a line of bike lines, combined with a tram route. Along the embankments, it is also possible to run a bike line. An overhead bicycle tunnel could also connect sports facilities with each other, since they have enough space to accommodate hub stations.
Of course, we consider bike politics in combination with conventional bike paths: together they form a single transport network. Using this network, citizens will be able to choose whether to ride their own bicycles or rent them from station to station. It is also possible to use bicycles with electric traction - of course, with a speed limit. Now it is possible to build the first test bike line, for example, along the Kazanka from the new stadium to the Kirov dam. This section of the bike tunnel can also serve as a training facility for athletes.
Summing up, I want to list the main advantages of this idea. Cycle Policy makes it possible to travel on bicycles and velomobiles all year round, in any weather. It ensures the safety of such trips, independence from traffic jams and other transport problems, while unloading the urban transport system. By allowing the bike to be used at any time, the bike policy enhances the role of this environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transport. In addition, a bicycle is much cheaper to buy and maintain than a personal car.
