Mobility shield
About this good practice
The Department of the City Traffic Engineer and the Public Transport Authority in Krakow estimated that during the lockout period, depending on the street, traffic decreased by up to 70%, and the number of MPK passengers fell by 80-90%. The next problem to be solved was the passenger limit, which affected the efficiency of public transport.
Taking care of the ability to move around Krakow efficiently, the Public Transport Authority emphasized to role of pedestrians and cyclist by creating more space for them in streets and sidewalks, while relieving the burden on still-limited public transportation system and paid parking zone. Solutions have been introduced that complement the existing infrastructure network and help to move safely around the city in the coming months.
Social distance, the strong pressure of a cars on the city center, where there are no parking spaces available, and the lack of continuity of cycling infrastructure do not encourage for cycling even in good weather.
Resources needed
It's difficult estimate the resources, due to the fact that the city already had some data and analyses. The solutions didn't create a new infrastructure, but used the existing one. The changes consisted in traffic organization. The cost of their introduction was relatively low.
Evidence of success
After the changes were introduced, a large number of people tried cycling. For example, on the Grunwaldzki bridge, the share of bicycle traffic at peak times reached as much as 25 percent.
As regards Grzegórzecka street, before the pandemic, cyclists practically did not use it. As part of the COVID-19 changes, the southern lane has been transformed into a bicycle path, and cars are “moved” to the track. In December 2020, on average, 800 people rode there daily.
Potential for learning or transfer
If we want to introduce major changes, it is sometimes associated with strong emotions among the inhabitants, and even radicalization of those least satisfied with the changes. However, the most important thing is the overall assessment of the activities.
We should not be looking for perfect solutions. Let's look for those that are functional and improve the situation for some groups. It is not about doing something perfect, but something that people will consider as better.
Mobility is behavior. Residents find it difficult to accept changes. Only when they start using them, they find out that they work in their favor. Politicians and officials often lack determination and courage to implement them. We are used to the fact that the car is a good, helpful invention that has opened up travel opportunities for us. And now we have to suddenly change our behavior and leave the car at the house. That is why we face resistance and it is natural, because nobody likes changes.
Good practice owner
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