Cyclability

Cyclability is the degree of ease of bicycle circulation. A greater degree of cyclability in cities is related, among others, to benefits for people's health, lower levels of air and noise pollution, improved fluidity of traffic or increased productivity. Among the factors that affect cyclability are: Bikeway safety The safety of cycle paths is a requirement for high cyclability: The safest roads are those that are segregated from motorized traffic (bike lanes), followed by shared paths and, finally, lanes shared with other vehicles. The width of cycle paths should be wide enough for two bikes to cross or pass each other safely. The visibility of the road must make it possible to anticipate possible braking and intersections, avoiding curves at right angles. Intersections must, in turn, be well marked for both cyclists and motorized traffic. The routes must avoid obstacles, such as lampposts or benches. Also prevent carrying the bike, such as on stairs, in which case bicycle ramps can be incorporated. The pavement must be smooth, with lowered obstacles such as curbs, with materials that do not offer too much resistance, that drain and are not slippery when it rains. Permeability (spatial and transport planning) A coherent cycling network implies: The cycle paths must cover the entire extension of the city, so that the bicycle can be used to go to as many destinations as possible. Ideally, there should be a cycle path within 250 meters of any point in the city. They have to be connected to each other continuously. There must be secure bicycle parkings both at the origin and at the destination of the routes. The design of cycle paths must be uniform, so that all citizens can quickly perceive the use of that path, avoiding conflicts. The routes must be correctly signposted, including the destinations offered by each of the routes. Permeability (spatial and transport planning) Bicycles are driven by people's physical exercise, therefore, a highly cyclable cycling network must allow direct movement without great effort: The routes between origins and destinations can be made in the most linear way possible, without the need to make large deviations.