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

Contemporary Design
FHAD Contemporary Design Issues
Name:
Institutional Affiliation: Swinburne University of Technology
Author Note:
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Contemporary Design
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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Contemporary Design
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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Contemporary Design
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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