Moscow Bike Couriers Give Thumbs Up to City's Cycling Infrastructure
A new study of Moscow bicycle couriers by MAGRAM MR reveals positive assessments of the city's cycling infrastructure, highlighting potential benefits for cyclists. The survey ranked districts based on their comfort for cyclists.
Districts rating
Bicycle couriers in Moscow are generally pleased with the city's cycling infrastructure. The Northwestern Administrative Okrug (SZAO), Northeastern Administrative Okrug (SVAO) and Eastern Administrative Okrug (VAO) were the most highly rated for convenient travel. SZAO and the Central Administrative Okrug (TsAO) were standout for their bike lanes with a high quality and quantity.
The rankings were based on factors including bike lanes, parking, rental services, maintenance facilities, rental of additional equipment, terrain and traffic control features (signs and signals).
Infrastructure assessment
The ratings given by bicycle couriers were used to calculate an average score for various infrastructure elements also on a 10-point scale:
• Level of bicycle parking development – 6.6
• Level of bicycle/e-bike rental stations development – 6.4
• Level of rental points for additional cycling equipment development – 6,2
• Level of bicycle/e-bike maintenance and repair stations development – 6,1
• Level of road signs/traffic lights for cyclists’ development – 5,9
• Level of bike lanes/cycle tracks development – 5,6
Safety aspect
77% of surveyed couriers use cycling infrastructure for an average of 40 hours per week while delivering orders throughout the city. Cycle tracks are considered the safest mode of travel by 76% of respondents. The absence of bike lanes and dedicated cycling paths forces couriers to ride on sidewalks, shoulders or along the edge of the roadway which is less safe.
Among the main hazards encountered while riding, children (45%) and adult pedestrians (34%) were most frequently mentioned. Additionally, one in four bicycle couriers highlighted passenger cars (28%) and trucks (27%) as posing particular danger to them.
Potential areas cycling infrastructure development
Moscow is actively developing its cycling infrastructure, yet the need for convenient and well-designed bike lanes remains an important topic of discussion.
Riding on sidewalks is not always convenient for couriers or other road users and only one in five bicycle couriers considers riding on the roadway to be safe.
Every second respondent notes the need for more traffic lights at intersections and pedestrian crossings, as well as at exits from adjacent areas. According to couriers equipping these zones with additional traffic signs and signals would help improve safety for both cyclists and other road users.