By Conner Leverett
We are happy to report a recent success for BikeMaps.org in Iceland. In a report by ReSource International, BikeMaps.org was cited as a tool to encourage more cycling through improved infrastructure. Officials in Reykjavík, the capital city, have set goals to provide more protected bike lanes (from 4.5% to 8% of all roads) and increase the number of trips made by bicycle (from 5.5% to 8%) by 2030. BikeMaps.org can be used to achieve this goal by identifying areas which may impede or discourage cyclists from making regular journeys. ReSource partnered with hjolum.is, an Icelandic cycling organization, to promote reporting using BikeMaps.org by local cyclists. BikeMaps.org is available in Icelandic at BikeMaps.org/is.
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Icelandic Bikeseat Cover! Photo credit: ReSource
The largest issue that cyclists face in Reykjavík are blind corners. Of the 117 recorded hazards, 27 of them had to do with blind corners. Surprisingly, the biggest issue was not car-cyclist interaction but cyclist-pedestrian interaction at underpasses. Underpasses have been built to facilitate pedestrian access, but they often have sharp 90 degree turns which cause the issue between cyclists and pedestrians. The silver lining is that only 1 of the 17 crash reports were at underpasses which indicates that cyclists are aware of the danger and are actively working to prevent issues. ReSource international explains the power of BikeMaps.org: “Of the 43 near misses and accidents reported, only 5 reported conjunction with poor sightlines. Thus, it seems that this is an excellent example of the power of online mapping to show infrastructure that causes stress and discomfort to the users, rather than generating serious accidents.“ ReSource international recommended placing convex mirrors on poles as a cheap and effective way to improve sightlines.
Example of an underpass. Photo credit: ReSource
For the immediate future, ReSource suggest that all infrastructure improvements should be marked with a temporary signpost which has the BikeMaps.org logo to show that online mapping can create change and encourage cyclists to use BikeMaps.org. For the longer term, ReSource recommends that funding be given to cycling advocate groups to promote BikeMaps.org and that citizen science data are compiled, analysed, and acted upon. We love that BikeMaps.org gives people a voice and an ability to feel engaged in their city’s planning process. Keep up the great work Iceland and we’re excited to see your cycling infrastructure grow!