The demand of the Barnaul population for creation of cycling infrastructure

Abstract

The subject of this research is the demand of the Barnaul population for creation of cycling infrastructure. The development of cycling infrastructure not only contributes to solution of the problems of any modern city, but also creates a favorable ecological and social environment. This is  illustrated by such indicators as public health, life expectancy, and increase of working age. Moreover, the ecologically friendly urban environment is beneficial for the development of tourism. Using the quantitative method (questionnaire-based survey), the authors were able to find out the opinion of the Barnaul residents on the creation of urban infrastructure. The research results clearly demonstrate the demand of the Barnaul residents for creation of cycling infrastructure. The following conclusions were made: majority of respondents believe that the of cycle lanes and minimal maintenance service is required throughout the urban space; creation of cycling infrastructure can be a step toward designing a new comfortable urban environment and improve quality of life; implementation of cycle lanes into the urban space in such way that they would connect bedroom suburbs and central part of the city, can be most useful and effective. The conducted analysis testifies that the developed cycling infrastructure can improve transport and ecological situation in the city, but would not fully resolve the problems of socioeconomic nature.