The Bicyle is Beautiful
Ideas to Increase Cycling in Urban Areas
Chris Schnaars The University of Dundee
“Looking at these pressing issues; global warming, escalating obesity, increasing congestion—there is one common answer. The bicycle is a cure to much of what ails us. It is an elegant, yet simple solution to many complex problems.” John Burke, President of Trek Bicycles
“If the mode choice in commuting can be shifted even slightly in favor of bicycling, society should realize benefits in the form of improved return from transportation capital investments, reduced noise pollution, reduced congestion, reduced air pollution, lower parking requirements, reduced driving costs, lower energy consumption, and reduced safety costs. This should also lead to general improvements in environmental quality and social wellbeing.” Arthur C. Nelson and David Allen
“Every day I see more people of more types riding a bike. I think that’s great.” NYC Bicycle Messenger
America is obsessed with the automobile. We are a nation accustomed to waiting in traffic, needing a car to get between places, and dealing with volatile prices at the pump. Since it has become available on a large scale, America has dedicated almost all of its transportation efforts towards one goal: accommodating the car.
In recent years, more people have come to the realization that a reliance on the automobile and cheap natural resources is not sustainable. Americans drove over 100 Billion less miles in 2008 versus 2007, relying more on public transportation, walking, and bicycling. These modal shifts bring a heightened responsibility for cities and towns to create a safer environment to move around in.
New York City is taking this responsibility seriously. The city has recently bolstered its mission to promote widespread bicycle use by creating 200 miles of bikeways in the past three years, installing much needed bike racks around the city, and passing a bill that will make it easier for commuters to lock bikes in their office building.
But what do those who live, work, and move around in New York City think about these efforts? It is easy to count the miles of bikeways added in recent years, but numbers hide the fact that some of this infrastructure goes unused, and may do little to bring more people to the bicycle. What do the current cyclists think has improved? What has brought new cyclists into the mix? And, perhaps most importantly, what can be done to attract those who still have yet to take that first ride?
During the summer of 2009, I set out on a research project to explore what a “bicycle friendly” city meant in terms of urban design. Shortly after beginning, I realized that I was looking at the problem in the wrong way. Instead of trying to define a phrase, I should focus on making “bicycle friendly” the result of my work. The new goal of the research was much clearer: how can we get more people to travel by bike?
This study has been conducted in association with the Master of Design Ethnography program at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Design ethnography is a vital piece of the human-centered design process, which aims to use first-hand research methods to inform meaningful design insights and better design solutions.
During the course of the study, I spent countless hours carefully observing the streets of New York City, both from on and off a bicycle. I also had the privilege to speak with a wide variety of stakeholders in the city’s street community.
The result of this research is a framework of big ideas on how to create an environment that attracts more people to the bicycle. Although the scenarios presented here are based in New York City, the concepts can be applied—with minor adaptations—to any urban area.
The big ideas in this report are only the first step in creating more appealing cities to cycle in, and are meant to be experimented with and evolved based on user feedback. They are presented in the form of “What if...� question to ensure that the concepts are treated more as sketches than final designs. I believe that with some experimentation and tinkering, the ideas presented here can truly help an urban area become a better place to bike.
Contents A Route to Better Bicycling Three Big Ideas 18 Big Idea Build Accommodations 20 Big Idea Create Awareness 38 Big Idea Educate and Enforce 56 Shifting Gears Changing Mindsets 74 Creating Big Ideas The Process 78 About the Project 82 Acknowledgements 83
A Route to Better Bicycling: Three Big Ideas
The framework above represents the three big ideas in which all solutions in this report will fall under: build accommodations, create awareness, and educate and enforce. Throughout the research, almost everything that was seen and heard was related to one of these ideas. Build Accommodations represents issues regarding where bicycles live, ride, and park. If the city’s streets are not built for bicycles as much as cars and pedestrians, the chances of increasing ridership is minimal. Create Awareness represents everything that the public sees and hears regarding cycling. It is one thing to build accommodations, but you also have to spread the word that cycling is a safe, viable, realistic mode of transportation for everybody. Educate & Enforce represents the efforts to ensure that reasonable safety rules are established, learned by those using a bicycle, and enforced. The grey arrows surrounding the framework represent the results of these ideas being put into place: an increase in the number of cyclists, and a maintained safety and order of the streets. The strength of these results depends on how well, and to what scale, these ideas are implemented. The Bicycle is Beautiful 19
Big Idea Build Accommodations
The Bicycle is Beautiful 21
Scenario Build Accommodations
The following scenario depicts what can be done to build accommodations.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 23
Scenario: Build Accommodations
Irene has been riding a bicycle in the city since 2006, but finds it much easier (and more fun) to do so these days. There is now some type of bicycle infrastructure on each street: fast-moving avenues and cross streets all have a protected bike path, mid-size streets have painted bike lanes with buffers, and smaller streets are shared bicycle routes or bike boulevards. Irene is especially happy now that the speed limit has been reduced—and enforced—on the streets without a protected bike path. It is a nice change from the days where cars would race dangerously past her.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 25
Scenario: Build Accommodations
On her way to work every morning, Irene meets her friend and co-worker Kelly at a local bike share station. Kelly has heard countless stories about how great cycling in New York City is, and has finally gave in to the prospect of riding to work. Since Kelly lives in Queens, she commutes into Manhattan on the subway, and then grabs a bike to finish her commute—a combination that many have started to use since the bike share program was implemented. The program has also spared Kelly from the challenge of keeping a bike in her small apartment. Kelly’s ride to the office is less than 20 minutes, which means that her bike share use is completely free.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 27
Scenario: Build Accommodations
Irene’s office is equipped with an indoor parking room—added at the request of almost all of the tenants—freeing her from the hassle of finding on street parking. She is also happy to know that her bike will be locked in a safe, dry place. Her building is just one of many that proudly boast bicycle storage facilities—some have even built changing rooms and showers for those with longer commutes. Irene’s employer also offers incentives for employees to bike to work, such as vouchers on maintenance and equipment, and even has four bikes available for employees to use during the day.
Photo courtesy of Joe Mabel Modified by Chris Schnaars
The Bicycle is Beautiful 29
Scenario: Build Accommodations
As Irene rides home, she can’t help but smile at the recent changes to the city. Streets that were once havens for double parking are now too narrow to do so without blocking all traffic—a feat achieved by widening the sidewalks. The larger sidewalks have also enticed more restaurants to add outdoor seating and retailers to create street displays, resulting in a livelier street atmosphere and more enjoyable commute. When she gets to her apartment, she locks her bike in the basement storage room. This not only protects her bike from theft and the elements, but also saves her from the hassle of carrying it up three flights of stairs and finding a place to store it.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 31
Solutions Build Accommodations
The following solutions focus on building accommodations.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 33
Solutions: Build Accommodations
Make streets predictable. What if every street had some type of bicycle infrastructure, and cyclists knew exactly what to expect when riding?
What Can Be Done: Create a complete system of safe and distinguished bikeways. The faster streets (if not all) should have cycletracks, and others should use painted bike lanes, shared routes, or be bicycle boulevards. Lower the speed limit on smaller streets so the cyclists are no longer pressured to move. Shared routes should mean just that. Remember intersections. This is where a majority of bike-car accidents occur, so maintaining the bikeways—even if just a painted line.
Similar Programs: Both Copenhagen and Amsterdam have widespread and well-connected networks of bicycle lanes. These have been vital in increasing the number of cyclists over the past 40 years—an achievement that has made the bicycle the travel mode for over 40% of trips in each city.
What’s Been Said: “Often times I’ll be riding, and all of a sudden there is no more bike lane, and riding without one is very treacherous.” -NYC cyclist “Riding [next to traffic] on wide, one-way, highway equivalent avenues through Manhattan can be a very harrowing experience.” -NYC cyclist
Solutions: Build Accommodations
Make cycling accessible. What if the bicycle was thought of a public transportation option?
What Can Be Done: Establish a bike share program. Put bike terminals in the same manner as public transportation stops, and beyond. Make the first 15-20 minutes free to encourage shorter trips, and allow people to pay in the same way as other transit options. A well though out bike share program is unmatched in its ability to get more people cycling.
Similar Programs: Vélib, the bike-share program in Paris, sports over 20,000 bikes and 1400 stations, resulting in more than 42 Million rides since its debut. Similar programs have been implemented in Barcelona, Montreal, and Rome. Fort Collins, CO, has established a “Bicycle Library” which lends bikes to those looking to explore the city.
Photo courtesy of Kim at http://betweenyellowandblue.wordpress.com
What’s Been Said: “The biggest problem for me is storage in my apartment. A bike share program would be just what I need—I can’t imagine not using it.” -NYC resident, non-cyclist
The Bicycle is Beautiful 35
Solutions: Build Accommodations
Add parking everywhere. What if bicycle parking became just as important as car parking?
What Can Be Done: Give buildings a reason to include bicycle parking. Whether it is political, monetary, or PR related, buildings should be safe places for bikes to be. Cycling should be a true door-to-door activity. Since many people park against street fixtures already, why not make it perfectly legal? This will also cut down the costs of bike racks. Trade one for many. Removing one parking spot in lieu for multiple bike racks will not only save sidewalk space, but signal a priority shift. Photo courtesy of Joe Mabel Modified by Chris Schnaars
Similar Programs: NYC has recently passed legislation requiring commercial buildings to allow use of the freight elevator for bringing in bikes. Portland, OR has made a habit of converting on street car parking to bike corrals—each holding 12 bikes—a change that has been welcomed by cyclists and businesses alike.
What’s Been Said: “The problem [with parking] is that most privately owned offices and apartments either don’t allow [bicycles] or don’t provide secure parking.” -NYC cyclist
Solutions: Build Accommodations
Think narrow. What if the design of streets enforced safety measures?
What Can Be Done: When possible, make streets narrower—allowing just enough space for bikes and cars—that double-parking will bring traffic to a halt. This traffic calming measure can be achieved by widening the sidewalks, which will also create a more vibrant city atmosphere. Instead of making it necessary for delivery trucks to double park, why not reserve a few spaces just for them? This will not only clear the streets, but the reduced parking will also help shift more people to non-car options.
Similar Programs: The Downtown Brooklyn Traffic Calming Project in Brooklyn has made dozens of intersections in the area safer for pedestrians.
What’s Been Said: “How can New York City possibly be bike friendly when it is still so car friendly?” -NYC cyclist
On Grand Street in Manhattan, the Best Western Bowery Hanbee Hotel has two parking spaces reserved for hotel use. The Bicycle is Beautiful 37
Big Idea Create Awareness
The Bicycle is Beautiful 39
Scenario Create Awareness
The following scenario depicts what can be done to create awareness.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 41
Scenario: Create Awareness
Theo has lived in Manhattan since graduating from college in 1999. In recent years, he has noticed new bicycle infrastructure being added all around his neighborhood, but has never given cycling— which he thinks as a “dangerous activity”—any serious thought. Walking through his local subway station one evening, Theo notices a large cycling map. The map depicts the bikeways on every street in a close radius, and provides pictures, color codes, and free NYC Cycling Maps for the taking. The map has also given Theo an idea on how well-connected the bikeways in New York really are—something that is hard to understand just by walking around.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 43
Scenario: Create Awareness
Although intrigued by the city’s efforts to accommodate cyclists, Theo still has lingering doubts about jumping on a bike. Reading the paper one morning, Theo notices the “bicycle stories” advertisement run by the Department of Transportation, which give real life tales of New Yorkers jumping back on the bike. To Theo’s surprise, none of the riders are the lyrcaclad super athletes or fearless bike messengers he once thought ruled the streets—they are people like himself. What’s more, the stories being told are inspiring and enticing.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 45
Scenario: Create Awareness
As he pays closer attention to the streets, Theo notices people of all types using bicycles. On a whim, he decides to check out a bike from the bike share station by his apartment. Riding around on a cool, clear evening, Theo is amazed by how different the city looks from a bicycle. As Theo discovers places in the city he has never seen before, he is comforted by the navigational signage which directs the way to neighborhoods and points of interest.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 47
Scenario: Create Awareness
Enthused by his newfound fondness for the bike and recharged sense of discovery, Theo decides to experiment with different rides. He logs on to the NYC Department of Transportation website, which has a section dedicated to user-submitted (some by local cycling celebrities) bike tours. Theo also notices that he can send in suggestions on improving the infrastructure or to request maintenance. He can also sign up to receive text messages of important street information relevant to his neighborhood.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 49
Solutions Create Awareness
The following solutions focus on creating awareness.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 51
Solutions: Create Awareness
Pass on the good news. What if bicycling maps did more than just show the way?
What Can Be Done: Post local bicycle maps in subway and bus stations, as well as near bike share terminals (if they exist). This will allow non-cyclists to see how widespread the bicycle infrastructure is. Have citywide cycling maps available anywhere one can get maps of the street or public transportation. This will help sustain the idea that cycling is an equal form of transportation.
Similar Programs: Davis, CA, have created free, multicolored bike maps that include routing/ distance/travel time on one side and bicycle education information on the other.
What’s Been Said: “Since I don’t ride, I really don’t know where the bike lanes are. I’m not even sure if there is one on my street.” -NYC non-cyclist
Solutions: Create Awareness
Inspire riders. What if the bicycle was seen as more than another transportation option, but as the best way of discovering the city?
What Can Be Done: Create a PR campaign that tells the story of those who have recently started cycling in the city. The first few rides are often the most individually groundbreaking—capture these moments and share with others. Raise confidence by showing what other cyclists look like. Some will be surprised the most cyclists look just like them. Let people in on the secret. Tell them they can “ride home with the sunset” or “bike from A to B in ten minutes”.
Similar Programs: Fort Collins, CO, offers a variety of “Bike the Sites” tours, self-guided adventures with themes such as a Brewery Tour or Historic Tour. Bikes Belong’s “Remember Me” campaign aimed to inspire current noncyclists to ride by reminding them how much fun they once had on a bicycle.
What’s Been Said: “My neighbor had a bike he was getting rid of, so I offered to take it. That first ride—which was my first since I was just a kid—was almost magical. It completely changed the way I felt about New York.” -NYC cyclist “The bicycle is the best way for seeing the city. You see everything.” -NYC cyclist
The Bicycle is Beautiful 53
Solutions: Create Awareness
Provide Direction. What if street signs helped cyclists discover their city by providing helpful navigational directions and interesting routes to follow?
What Can Be Done: Create signs that give cyclists an indication of where they can go (neighborhoods, points of interest), and the general direction to follow. It will be just enough information to find places while still having an adventure. Add markers to the lanes themselves to remind riders where they are headed.
Similar Programs: Street signs in NYC meant for cyclists give basic directional information (North, South, East, West), as well as directions to all bridges. Signs in Perth Australia give cyclists direction and distance to various points of interest. The city is also starting to paint the same information direclty onto bike lanes.
What’s Been Said: “Half the time I don’t know where I’m going. I love it, but the signs that let me know where things are have been pretty useful.” -NYC Cyclist
Solutions: Create Awareness
Keep them connected. What if cyclists could use technology to share riding stories, learn about recommended routes, or receive information on important cycling and street news? What Can Be Done: Use the DOT website to let people share with other cyclists. Give recommended rides from well-known urban cyclists, and let people create their own. Keep cyclists informed by allowing them to sign up for email/SMS updates on important street happenings. Also, allow cyclists to give input—whether on a dangerous street or bike infrastructure in need of repair—directly to the source.
Similar Programs: NYC’s CITYRACKS program lets NYC residents go online and suggest a new location for a bicycle rack. Sound Transit, the transit management company of Puget Sound, WA, allows users to sign up to receive updates regarding service, news, and even job openings. The Bicycle is Beautiful 55
Big Idea Education & Enforcement
The Bicycle is Beautiful 57
Scenario Education & Enforcement
The following scenario depicts what can be done to improve education and enforcement.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 59
Scenario: Education & Enforcement
Olivia is a nine year-old girl who lives in the Bronx and attends elementary school at P.S. 280. Every month, her fourth grade class is visited by a local police officer who gives lessons on proper safety procedures for cycling or walking in the city. Most of the time, the lessons are supplemented by a bicycling activity on the streets adjacent to the school, which have been closed off for safety. This time also doubles as basic bicycling lessons for children that don’t yet know how to ride.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 61
Scenario: Education & Enforcement
Olivia’s class is taken on a field trip to the Urban Forest Ecology Center in Van Cortland Park. The class embarks on a bicycle tour of the park, and are given ample opportunities to practice the safety procedures they have learned in class. Schools across the city have begun to utilize the bike as a fun way to take kids out of the classroom, provide exercise, and save on the cost of busses or subway fare. The bicycle has also shown up inside the classroom as well, having been involved in science lessons and writing assignments.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 63
Scenario: Education & Enforcement
Olivia’s mother, Maria, is eager to take a bike ride with her daughter, but has not been on a bicycle since she was a child. In order to get some practice, she joins a “riding group” of other women looking to get back into cycling. The group is led by a local businesswoman who has been a regular bicycle commuter for years. Every week, the group takes a ride around the city, stopping often to relax, take in a view, or grab a bite to eat. They ride along a variety of parks and streets, and because they are such a large group, cars are extra-cautious and yielding. Besides improving their urban cycling skills, the women have formed lasting friendships, found another source of exercise, and discovered some new places in their neighborhood.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 65
Scenario: Education & Enforcement
Maria and Olivia now bicycle together whenever they have the chance. On weekends, they make sure to visit their local “Weekend Streets”—small sections of streets which are closed off to cars on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The number of familes in their neighborhood who bicycle have grow substantially, and Maria now sees the police being much more active in pursuing cars that speed, run red lights, and block traffic. Police are also cracking down on cyclists who ride against traffic, display irresponsible behavior, or endanger others on the street.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 67
Solutions Education & Enforcement
The following solutions focus on improving education and enforcement.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 69
Solutions: Education & Enforcement
Start young. What if cycling was used in primary education to foster safer behavior, raise environmental awareness, promote healthier lifestyles, and make class lessons more interesting? What Can Be Done: Bring in safety officials to speak to schools will not only help deliver a message of safety, but also develop a relationship between local authorities and students. Use class time to practice bicycle street safety, working with officials to close off sections of streets. Offer lessons on how to ride to children who need it. Give tips on where one can ride in the area. Combine riding bicycles with field trips to promote a sense of discovery and exploration.
Similar Programs: Portland, OR provides a 10-hour safety course for over 2,000 elementary students, as part of the Safe Routes to School Initiatives. In NYC, Bike New York teamd up with P.S. 76 in the Bronx to create a monthlong physical education unit on bike safety, including a “Learn to Ride” program for students and parents.
What’s Been Said: “As somebody who walks everywhere, I’ve learned to deal with the cars. It’s the bikes that scare me most.” -NYC non-cyclist
Solutions: Education & Enforcement
Team up. What if learning to ride a bicycle in an urban area was also a chance to meet new people, see new things, and reap the safety benefits of riding in a “bike flock”? What Can Be Done: If an urban area has a bike share program, starting a group ride is easy. If an experienced leader is available, great. If not, start out in a place where the group feels comfortable (i.e. park). If there is not a bike share program, ask a local bicycle rental shop if they can give discounts for a group. Chances are, they will be rewarded through the sales of parts, maintenance, and new bikes. Use group rides as an excuse to try out new restaurants, see exhibits at museums, visit new places, or just get some exercise.
Similar Programs: London Cycling Campaign has organized “Cycle Fridays”: six weekly rides aimed at helping novice cyclists gain confidence via group rides.
What’s Been Said: “When you ride with a large number of cyclists...cars understand that you exist.” -NYC cyclist
“Bicycle Ambassadors” in Seattle, WA are in charge of encouraging neighborhoods to bike, including leading group cycling clinics. The Bicycle is Beautiful 71
Solutions: Education & Enforcement
Turn police around. What if police were just as focused on what was happening in the streets as what was happening in the parking lanes?
What Can Be Done: Foster a culture of “no tolerance” for drivers that speed, double park, or run red lights and stop signs. Increasing police presence and fines for violations is a good start. Crack down on bad behavior, no matter who’s doing it. Police should pursue all dangerous activity, whether it’s by a car, cyclist, or pedestrian. Have police help in creating a “rules of the street” pamphlet—a free guide that clearly defines the safety rules for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers,
Similar Programs: Over 1000 Traffic offenders—which include cyclists—in Portland, OR have been through a “Share the Road” safety class. Davis, CA lowered fines for cycling offenses to encourage police to increase enforcement.
What’s Been Said: “It seems like the police force has a bias against cyclists—like they are just waiting for them to do something wrong. I know that some cyclists are a bit reckless, but all day long I see cars speeding and running red lights, and nobody being pulled over.” -NYC bicycle messenger
Solutions: Education & Enforcement
Free the streets. What if streets became places where activities other than driving occurred?
What Can Be Done: Create a system of small sections of streets around the city that are closed off to cars for a period every weekend. Providing a reliable break from cars will effectively turn these streets into temporary parks. Follow the lead of others. Columbia’s “Ciclovia”, Paris’ “Paris Plage”, and NYC’s “Summer Streets” are great ways of giving the street back to pedestrians. Every city should have programs like these.
Similar Programs: For 7 hours every Sunday and holiday in Bogota, Columbia, over 70 miles of the city’s streets are closed to cars. Taking their place are 1.5 Million people enjoying the repurposed street. One of NYC’s many car-free street programs is “Summer Streets”, which closes off Park Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park four times a year.
What’s Been Said: “When there are no cars around, you realize how nice it is, and how much we are missing out on.” -NYC non-cyclist “During summer streets, you see the highest percentage of happy people as you will find in New York.” -NYC resident The Bicycle is Beautiful 73
Shifting Gears: Changing Urban Mindsets
Creating cultural and habitual change can only happen when caused by a change in mindset—in this case, the way people perceive urban transportation and urban life. During the research process, six emerging mindset changes became apparent.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 75
Shifting Gears: Changing Urban Mindsets
From Auto-Centric to People-Centric Urban areas can no longer afford to plan around the automobile. Cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have shown that planning for people leads to vibrant and livable places to live, work, and enjoy. Now its time for cities in the U.S. to follow suit.
From Dependent to Independent Heavy dependence on automobiles hinders the freedom and mobility of non-drivers, including the elderly and children. Conversely, walking, cycling, and public transportation are equal opportunity modes of travel, and allow those unable to drive to maintain access to their city.
From the Destination to the Journey When cities become livable and full of places, the journey between A and B becomes enjoyable and unique. Of course, destinations still have to be reached, they are just no longer the only reason for travel.
Shifting Gears: Changing Urban Mindsets
From Isolated Spaces to Shared Spaces Cities have always fostered a sense of communal spaces, but the idea is slowly creeping to the streets. As more non-automobile street events occur, the idea of “streets as places” becomes more and more real.
From Looking Down to Looking Up A shift in worldview is occurring, from looking at the city as a collection of isolated pieces, to viewing it more holistically. This means that transportation has to be well connected—whether by foot, bike, or public transit—both within itself and with the city as a whole.
From Begrudging to Encouraging Bikes The concept of cycling as a respected form of urban transportation—an idea that has lived on the fringes for a years—is rapidly gaining popularity within U.S. cities. This simple, environmentally friendly, fun machine is finally starting to get the respect it deserves.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 77
The Process: Creating Big Ideas
Fieldwork: Understanding the People in Context The heart of design ethnography lies in the fieldwork: immersing oneself in a culture and setting, and observing and speaking with people to gain an understanding of the emotions, behaviors, relationships, and environment that make up their world. For the entire month of June, I observed the life of the city’s streets—from on and off a bicycle—and spoke with many of those who make the street community: cyclists, non-cyclists, avid walkers, lifelong residents, MTA bus drivers, and tourists visiting New York City for the first time. The result was a large amount of rich information, and a heightened awareness of how different folks use and perceive their streets.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 79
Synthetsizing the Information At the end of the fieldwork phase, one is left with an immense amount of information that needs to be made sense of. Although I conducted “mini-synthesis� sessions at the end of each day of fieldwork, I was still left with the task of drawing out concepts from the piles of information. As I went over what I had seen, heard, and felt during the research phases, similarities and threads started to form. As the pieces came toegether, I made sure that the ideas stayed big and true to the fieldwork, and that they formed orgaically.
Brainstorming and Developing Concepts: Once the information has been sorted, multiple frameworks and conceptual models began to reveal themselves, giving structures to hang ideas upon. The brainstorm was a true “anything goes environment”, where all ideas were treated as a winners. To help develop the concepts seen in the report, I reconnected with several of the folks from the fieldwork to help in the brainstorming process, as well as in developing some of the ideas. I made sure to keep the ideas in “sketch phase”, allowing cities maximum leeway for prototyping ideas and evolving them along the way.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 81
About the Project It all started with a bike ride in October 2008. On the final day of a seven-day, threecity European journey, I rented a bicycle and explored the bike-obsessed city of Amsterdam. For three hours I was Sal Paradise on two wheels. I didn’t follow a map, I followed what looked interesting. I became lost, found, and then lost all over again. I explored the “non-touristy” areas of Amsterdam and blended in with locals in the midst of their daily routine. It was a beautiful experience and the absolute perfect way to end an amazing adventure. When I returned my rented bicycle, I let the store clerk know how much fun I had. We chatted about the differences between biking in his city and New York City, and I told him that, as much as I enjoy riding in New York, I felt more relaxed in Amsterdam. His response: “here, bike is king”. This is what I dream of for New York City, as well as all other urban areas in the world. The thinking behind my approach is that cities can only become safe and attractive places to ride (like Amsterdam) when there are many cyclists on the road. Urban areas can lay down miles upon miles of bike lanes, calm traffic, and provide ample bike parking, but unless there a large number of cyclists riding around, all efforts are moot. There are many prominent cyclists who disagree with the thinking behind the “safety in numbers”, saying that mixing large groups of untrained cyclists and automobiles is a bad idea. I disagree. I have seen first hand that adding cyclists to the streets in large numbers will force drivers to rethink the ways they drive, and cities to rethink the way they plan. I hope to have also to have augmented the safety in numbers thinking by extending its power in luring people to use a bike. William H. Whyte famously said, “What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people.” I don’t see any reason why this can’t apply to bicycles. In the end, this project is about much more than bicycles. It is about creating more sustainable, livable, and enjoyable cities, and giving the streets back to the people.
Acknowledgements This project would not have been conceivable without the help of hundreds of people along the way. A special thanks goes out to: Cycle Hawk Messengers, Inc. NYC Velo Bike Heaven Fresh Direct John S. Allen Robert Seidler Metropolitan Transit Authority NYC Department of Transportation NYC Department of City Planning NYC Department of Parks & Recreation NYC Police Department Rent A Bike Damstraat (Amsterdam) ...and the hundreds of strangers who took time out of their days to take a survey or speak to a random researcher on the street. A special thanks goes to Project for Public Spaces for providing me a space to think, and like-minded folks to think out loud with. I borrowed the “Streets as Places” concept from Project for Public Places on page 77 (and the thinking behind it pretty much everywhere). The work that comes out of that organization is inspiring, and should be implemented across the globe. There are not enough thanks in the world to cover what I truly owe the people at The University of Dundee—a school with a faculty that is as awe-inspiring as you can find. They do so much more than teach—they inspire you to do things in different ways, give you freedom to fail, and allow you to be creative whenever possible. In my opinion, those are three hallmarks of a world class institution. Additionally, my friends and fellow students in the Master of Design Ethnography and Master of Design programs helped me out along every step along the way, from inspiration to the words of encouragement at the very end. They are a group of designers and design ethnographers that will undoubtedly change the world.
The Bicycle is Beautiful 83