Contemporary Design: Cycling as a Solution to Social and Environmental Challenges

This paper explores the role of cycling in addressing social and environmental challenges in contemporary cities. It discusses the benefits of cycling, such as social inclusion, public ownership of space, and health and environmental benefits. The paper also examines effective infrastructural design for cycling and the importance of stakeholder support.

Contemporary Design
FHAD Contemporary Design Issues
Name:
Institutional Affiliation: Swinburne University of Technology
Author Note:
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Contents
1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................3
2.0 Research Findings...........................................................................................................................3
2.1 Cycling as a solution to social challenges (Queensland Australia)..............................................3
2.2 Cycling for a cleaner greener environment (Barcelona’s and UK)..............................................4
2.3 Cycling for environmental & health benefits (Asia)....................................................................5
3.0 Effective Infrastructural Design.......................................................................................................6
3.1 Diversity and population..............................................................................................................7
3.2 Stakeholder support.....................................................................................................................8
4.0 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
5.0 REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
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1.0 Introduction
Congestion, traffic snarl up, health and environmental issues are some of the challenges faced
by urban dwellers today (Natakanisi & Black, 2015). Contemporary cities invest in
sustainability in different sectors for a better future. The transport sector is one of the most
delicate because people overly rely on motor vehicles for daily transportation. However, the
expanding population and the increasing use of motor vehicles raises issues about
environmental pollution. The high cost of energy and the need for traffic management
strategies lead to questions about the sustainability of motor transport as the main source of
travel in cities. The reality of urban and suburban sprawls reveals hidden social and
environmental effects. Its consequences range from uncontrolled population, social
stratification, environmental degradation and conversion of agricultural land into
infrastructure. Leaders across cities and project designers continue to advocate for reliable
solutions that protect people and the ecosystem. One way to reduce effects of urban transport
pollution is the use of the pedal power in place of automobile systems. This has social
benefits too because cycling boosts human health and fitness. This paper describes cycling as
a channel to safer, healthier and cleaner cities. It looks at how the bike boosts ‘social
inclusion’, ‘public ownership’ of space and measurable health plus environmental benefits.
2.0 Research Findings
2.1 Cycling as a solution to social challenges (Queensland Australia)
In Australia, government initiatives identify health and environmental challenges as reasons
for better transport systems in the cities (Queensland Government, 2018). Named as one of
the highest emitters of greenhouse gasess at 13 milion tonnes, Australia records an average of
A$27 million spent in daily transport. Congestion costs present a further A$5billion In
associated costs. The public also spends upto A$14 in parking fees every day. The
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Queensland transport docket identifies riding as one of the most convenient modes of
transport because of its health and practical reasons. Similar to walking, cycling stiimulates
blood circulation encouraging good health. In addition the government supports cycling as a
pollution free exercise. Unlike cars which have high energy needs, recyclinig needs and
greenhouse gas emissions, bikes prove to be safer and cleaner .
Research into Australia’s social network identifies gaps in people networks because of
isolation, which is as a growing trend (Behrendt, 2019). Other social challenges caused by
the transport system include mobility difficulties, land misuse and spatial distortion. As a
solution, the government reinforces the bicycle use as a healthy option to public transport.
The strategic implementation of bicycle lanes ensures that motorists and cyclists operate in
safety. Spatial developers observe rules and additional space management strategies in order
to allow for emergency movements. However, city planners view infrastructural development
as a costly agenda because of the need for parking lots. The emergence of online shopping is
a relief to customers who no longer have to travel to shopping malls like before. However,
traffic intensity caused by commuter travel to workplaces still poses a threat. Therefore
cycling becomes a simple solution to the road movement menace (Graham & Elsom, 2015).
2.2 Cycling for a cleaner greener environment (Barcelona’s and UK)
Three years ago The Guardian reported the risks of city urbanization as destructive to
farmlands. In the journal Barcelona is one of the cities where cycling is a people’s preference
(Swilling, 2016). Why? Because of the infrastructural designs that made its streets look good
in appearance. In the journal reduction of the average density is one way to deal with
overpopulation in the urban center. However, controlling the urban sprawl starts with insight
into reasons why people travel in cars or buses to urban centers. Obviously, projections into
the rapid poppulation growth shows an impeding disaster caused by people’s frequent
movement around cities. This includes an increase in carbon footprint due to the use of cars.
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As a result there is a growing need for cycling as a prefered mode of daily transport. Research
indicates that 1.5 million UK residents prefer to cycle daily to England (Cycling UK, 2019).
This report notes differences of cycling trends amongst adults with men cycling more
frequently than women. Situated in Spain, Barcelona shows a shift in its market trends
revealing a growing bike network around UK cities (Blanchar, 2017).
As a result, government have developed more parking spots to cater for this growing need.
As more people make frequent trips to towns using bikes, the infrastructural design also
changes. Among the variations is the design of bike hire systems or Bicing with as many as
6000 bikes. This kind of planning reduces the growing number of users within the public and
private transport systems. In the UK region, the use of cycling lobbies and clubs is a
motivational factor for its adoption in the city. Despite its success, there are worries about the
implimentation of bike paths in Spain. Contrary reports highlight the need for better
infrastructural development in order to curb deaths among hundreds of cyclists (Calvez,
2017). Other regions in the UK where cycling is at the heart of urban planning inlcude
Copanhaggen, Switzerland and Amsterdam (Buehler & Pucher, 2017).
2.3 Cycling for environmental & health benefits (Asia)
Cycling is a mobility strategy adopted by smart cities as a sustainability agenda (Behrendt,
2019). Evidence of sustainable transport systems in the emerging markets is also clear. The
use of cycling as a sport is a strategy to encourage its adoption in smart cities. In Asia, Manila
and Bangkok stand out as megacities adopting its implementation through the city
sustainability policy ( Zuidgest, Stephan, Pardo, Nanthachachanvankul, & Guillen, 2018).
This plan looks at the benefits and potential barriers of cycling, including resource
mobilization. The Association of East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a policy framework
which has the support of stakeholders. As a regional plan it considers the health benefits of
using a non-motorized means of transport (NMT). However, the substitution of cycling as a
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major transport system follows challenges. The use of technology innovation in this case
provides solutions. The socio-technical system facilitates for the implementation of facilities
such as traffic lights, bike lanes, and pollution structures. With cycling as a common theme,
the region has cycling cafes, and cycling groups to support this mode of transport. Agency
involvement in Manila is evident in the planning process. The Manila Development
Authority monitors and regulates this infrastructural development. Banking institutions also
support these projects for effective implementation. As a result, the adoption of cycling is
widespread in the local, national and regional spheres.
3.0 Effective Infrastructural Design
Urban designer Fleming (2013) describes the cycle space across the UK, US, Asian and
Australian cities to note that cycling is now a growing trend. In his opinion, cycling is
practical and convenient but there is a need to redesign cities to suit its popularity. Urban
planning describes a physical plan designed for human benefits. The cited examples indicate
varied rates of adoption for the cycling plan depending on people’s acceptance of the
infrastructural design. Influenced by these, planners make changes on building designs,
recreational centres, streets, and locations. O'Holleran & Hull, (2014) ackowledge that the
failure of cycling projects in most cities is due to poor designs. In the study, people appreciate
green infrastrutural designs but also prefer safety, comfort and attractiveness. Although
policies on infrastuctural designs address accessibility, integration and environmenal
concerns there are additional elements to consider. Governments insist on different
approaches and guidelines for effective urban plannig and design. Diversity is a strategy that
supports the optimization of the population and economic facors for better settlements.
Media outcry about the need for sustainability as an approach for better living has an impact
on people and organizations (Kontreal Productions, 2006). Urban planning affects all
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stakeholders. The implimentation process involves the technical and leadership groups who
design and develop land for specific use. Infrastrutural development in the transport system
has a focus on the movement of people, animals and different goods across a location (Moss
& Marvin, 2016). Traditionally, the focus has been on railways, waterways, air transport,
pipelines and route canals. Engineers and designers would design effective airports, railways,
terminus, stations and ports. However emerging trends indicate a demand for the design of
bicyle networks and operations. This is a global trend that reduces the traffic flow and
population challenges in the urban areas.
3.1 Diversity and population
Lucas ( 2011) discusses why Melbourne stands out as Australias major cycling city. The
government has a plan to develop the city as a “bike city”. This is a tourist attraction, health
motivation and decongestion plan. Designing Melbourne as a cycling city in reality means
redeloping it, making the concept acceptable and gainig stakeholder support. The Lancet, a
medical journal analyses the death factors by age, gender, causal, time and spatial data
(Wang, Naghavi, Lopez, Murray, & Christopher, 2016). In the research these factors also
describe the root cause of poor health for concrete solutions. Using the same approach, urban
planning strategies incorporate diversity in social and physical designs.
Urban settlements comprise of diversity in terms of social and physical properties. Mixed
land use ensures that everybody benefits from the designs (Pili, Grigoriadis, Carlucci,
Clemente, & Salvati, 2017). The design of an effective cyclinig plan depends on the distinct
landscape, land fragmentation and spatial structures. A sustainable model considers the
functions of the infrastructure and existing relations with future projections. A documentary
film on urbanized space engages planners, city designers, architects and policy makers into a
discusion with a futuristic view (Geissbul, 2011). In the film, urban design contributes to
balancing mobility in the public space by addressing universal concerns.
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Social groups benefit from better connectivity. Gender considerations highlights the need to
research on population needs when implimenting transport change strategies ( Blanchar,
2017). . Records continue to confirm that there are variations in gender use of bikes across
UK and Australia. These are leading countries in the adoption of cycling as a major means of
city transport(Rose, Lo, & Garrard, 2008). Gender elements influence the design of bicycle
parks and facilities. Social inclusion addresses the needs of vulnerable groups and the
disadvantages in society. Inclusive cycling incorporates the needs of people with special
needs humans. Barriers to physical movement may hinder or limit people with physical
challenges. Poor designs could also cause injuries. Therefore infrastructural designs should
consider these people including (Knox, marston, & Imort, 2016) elderly and the young
addressed by these schemes?
3.2 Stakeholder support
Local, national and regional planning needs an effective standard approach. Cordination
supports multi-sectorial and multi-level strategies for reliable frameworks. Despite the use of
cycling solutions, planners should beware of the interference with other road users. In
Australia, motorists signed petition against the smart pavement concept due to its designs
which created conflict of interests (Graham & Elsom, 2015). Cyclists face injuries because of
poor planning. City development models have logistics that support social and economic
progress. Optimization of the public system starts with an effective structure that defines the
infrastructural implications. The city of Melbourne has a ‘Green our city strategic action
plan’ whose aim is to make the city liveable (City of Melbourne, 2019). The introduction of
changes in the urban planning process is one of its strategies. Suggesting new purchasing
decisions, the plan advises infrastrcutural authorities to focus on innovative strategies.
However, regulations have to redefine the use of roads in order to incorporate cycling
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policies. These include speed limits, pedestrian protection and standard use for lanes
(Fleming, 2013).
4.0 Conclusion
Global cities continue to redesign public space with a sustainability approach. Based on
global worries about the future generations, innovative designs have a social dimension that
looks at people and the environment as guiding factors for effective designs. Infrastructural
developers face a challenge of devising solutions to public transport. The search for a reliable
infrastructural system to replace the automobile industry continues. City planners have to
contend with the increasing congestion in towns caused by traffic systems. Heavy greenhouse
gases’ emanating from the vehicles is a hazard to human health. Further there are concerns
about the growing social exclusion, stratification and environmental pollution caused by over
use of cars as a means of transport. As a result researchers continue to study alternative
solutions for effective mobility in the city. Cycling stands out as a preferable means for city
transport because of its health and eco-friendly mechanisms. However, experiences from
UK, Australia and Asian cities indicate that people are also keen to adopt cycling within
properly designed systems. This raises questions about the stakeholder roles in designing and
developing a polished system to implement cycling as a reliable mode of transport in the city.
Technology solutions in Asia have proven successful.
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5.0 REFERENCES
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Blanchar, C. (2017, June 6). On your bike, Barcelona cycling boom. Elpais. Retrieved from
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transport. Transport Reviews, 689-694. Retrieved from
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Calvez, J. J. (2017, May 9). More than 400 cyclists killed on Spain's roads in 10 years.
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City of Melbourne. (2019). Green our city strategic action plan. Retrieved from City of
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Fleming, S. (2013). Cycle space:Architecture and urban design in the age of the bicycle (1 st
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od_design_encourage_cycling
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Pili, S., Grigoriadis, E., Carlucci, M., Clemente, M., & Salvati, L. (2017). Towards
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