Planning for Bicycle Use in CBD and its Adjoining Area: A Case of Patna City

Abstract

Bicycle is an important means of mobility for shorter trips in urban areas. In India the high ownership of bicycle, its low cost and easy use makes it a desirable and affordable mode of transportation. But problem is that there is absence of proper infrastructure and policy guidelines for them. Patna is one of the cities, where modal share of Bicycle is 33% (one of the high modal share in Indian cities), but there is no proper infrastructure facility for them. Cyclists are facing many problems and are compelled to use motorized vehicle lane, due to this they are becoming more vulnerable to accident and other calamities, which has created a sense of urgency to intervene in this area. Lack of basic infrastructure creates various issues in terms of safety, comfort, attractiveness etc. These issues act as factors that lead to decreasing the use of bicycle. Thus, we need to intervene in this area. Aim of the study is to plan for infrastructure for bicycle users in Patna. To achieve this aim following objectives have been formulated. The objectives of study are (i) To identify the factor that influences the use of bicycle (e.g., bike lane, safety etc.); (ii) Study the travel behaviour of Bicycle users that decide use of bicycle in study area;(iii) Identify the route for bicycle prioritization and (iv) Recommend the design and policy level intervention. The methodology of the study is categorized objective wise. Identification of influencing factors through literature study after that questionnaire has been prepared and bicycle survey has been done. Modal value has been used to analyze and prioritize the Influencing factors; which unravel the factors influencing the use of bicycle. Origin-Destination survey, Perception survey, Bicycle volume count (at outer and inner cordon) have been done and also explore the Landuse and purpose of bicycling to unravel the behaviour of bicycle users. Desire line diagram and existing route have been prepared with the help of origin –destination survey. Road inventory has been done to assess the level of service of road; which can be used to identify the route for bicycle prioritization. Visual survey has been undertaken to understand the existing condition. The recommendation of this study is at two level - spatial and policy level.Road cross section and intersection has been designed to give priority to bicycle users. Policy level guidelines will be focused on hard and soft component i.e. Bicycle lane/path, integration with public transport, Parking facility, Education, training and Promotional events etc.