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Bicycle's Role in Last Mile Connectivity - The Chinese Example

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Infrastructure

Which PT system in the world caters to last mile issues the way we demand motorized solutions ?

No PT system (other than NMT, such as bicycles on hire) takes on the responsibility & arranges last mile connectivity upto one's doorstep. Buses through residential areas are the only option, but even here, there is still a walking component that cannot be addressed fully. For some, this could be very short, but for most, it usually is anywhere between 300 & 800 mtrs or more.

The best that one can do is provide common tickets for journies involving train-bus (most common), bus-bus or bus-train, etc.. Bicycle rentals are an option as is provision for taxi or auto stands at TTMCs.

Beijing & other larger chinese cities have banned motorbikes & encouraged bicycles to address these issues very successfully by providing necessary infrastructure - see pictures below.

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n's picture

Agree on last mile

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Had mentioned this earlier. It is impractical and not feasible for BMTC to take care of last mile connectivity. Aren't TTMCs, with their provision for parking, better than what is available now (i.e. nothing)? Last mile can be by walk, cycle, private vehicle drop-off or parking (now in TTMCs), by autos and so on. People complain about everything (I pity the govt. professionals - they get cursed whatever they do unlike professionals like you or me who don't live under the constant scrutiny of armchair experts) - how can TTMCs recover our taxpayer rupees if they don't have a commercial component to it? Central grants also come from taxpayer money. In fact, the parking at TTMCs should also be charged.

Excellent indigenization by the Chinese. This is what I have always advocated - use good ideas from foreign nations but modify it to suit unique local conditions and needs. The discussion on exclusive turn lanes is a good example of what has less probability of working in our city - when existing road users do not follow rules (somebody mentioned that the animal in us comes out ;-) - very apt), enforcement is very inadequate and fines are meager, how can the same users be expected to suddenly become model citizens on model roads? Sorry, got off-topic. Had mentioned bicycles and stands, promotion of walking by providing good footpaths in the "mobilicity" survey as part of sustainable solution suggestions. The influential people (parents, bosses etc.) should set an example for other "influencable" members to emulate. Walking and cycling should be looked-up upon and become more prestigious than heavy private vehicle usage (Eg: bicyclists can rightfully claim that they are greener and turn their noses down on private vehicle users). <end of preach> :-) Facilities as provided by the Chinese will go a long way in encouraging cycling. BTW, do you have a source or bigger pictures of the pictures that you posted? I will probably send it as a follow up to DULT to further reinforce the parking suggestion sent earlier. Please send me a message or post the links here.


Naveen's picture

Transition in Chinese cities - Lessons for India

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N - The links to the articles re. China are here :

Beijing - Bicycling Experience

Guangzhou - The Motorcycle banning process

Guangzhou - Bike Transit for BRT & Metro


About 5-10 years back, the situation in Chinese cities was somewhat similar to what we have today in Indian cities - excessive use of motorcycles & cars. There are many lessons for India from China.

Shanghai & Beijing have now been completely transformed & many other cities are also changing with public mass-transits. BRT's presence in China is now well established & it's benefits recognized. Guangzhou's BRT is nearly ready now - a Metro system has already been built.

idontspam's picture

Customizing turn lanes

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exclusive turn lanes is a good example of what has less probability of working in our city - when existing road users do not follow rules ... enforcement is very inadequate and fines are meager, how can the same users be expected to suddenly become model citizens on model roads?

You have the answer. So when you build turn lanes you have to follow up with enforcement.

The chaos and entropy at junctions have been clearly indicated by diagrams in the same thread. the percentage of those are very high in Indian cities due to lack of turn lanes. Every major city in the world including populous ones like ours have adopted the turn lane concept.

I dont understand what is customization can be done to a turn lane to adopt to indian condition rather than maintain status quo which hasnt solved anything. Very interested in knowing.

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