Feasibility of using bicycles as a means of

transportation in the city of Bogotá

The bicycle as a transport in Bogotá city workable

Diego Fernando Suero P. one

one Faculty of Engineering, Free University, Bogotá Colombia

* e-mail: diegof.suerop@unilibrebog.edu.co

Date of receipt of the article: 02/03/2010 date of acceptance of the article: 01/04/2010

Summary
It is urgent to find alternatives for sustainable and
sustainable transport in cities where industrial, auditory
and vehicular pollution has traumatized the quality of life
of its inhabitants. It's time to build an environmentally
friendly, healthy and sustainable development society.
The bicycle is one of the best candidates for this work.
This project is an alternative solution that makes
proposals in order to make use of the bicycle as a
feasible transport in the city of Bogota.
Keywords
Sustainable transport, bicycle, conceptual model, ciclorrutas.
Abstract
In the cities Where factory, vehicular and noise pollution has
damaged the quality of peoples life is urgent looking for
alternatives to get to and supported sustainable transport.
This is the moment to create a healthy, sustainable and
environmental friendly society. The bicycle is one of the best
candidates for this job. This project is an alternative of
solution Which pretends to Obtain the use of the bicycle as
a transport workable in Bogota city.
Key Words
Sustainable transport, bicycle, conceptual model, bike-rails.
Introduction
This paper presents the current process, bicycle as an
economic actor and social welfare in search for a better
quality of life, analyzing strengths, weaknesses,
potential demand and comparing the current situation of
bicycle transport in other countries in order to end with a
proposed conceptual models that allow questioning
the
feasibility of using bicycles as means of transport in the
city of Bogotá. The increase in the number of vehicles
leads to countless problems overall. One of the most
alarming aspects is environmental pollution. Among
these, the greenhouse effect, harmful emissions,
changes in global warming, acidification of soil and
surface water, some adverse effects on plants and
animals. Thus, it is necessary to use new and better
ways to move from one place to another without causing
the aforementioned drawbacks, the bicycle offers many
advantages for this purpose and therefore is the focus in
this project.
The bicycle is a vehicle comprising two aligned wheels
fixed to a frame, steered by a handlebar and is driven by
a combination of pedals and gears are driven by the foot
[1]. The bicycle is one of the largest and most civilized
inventions of man, is the most harmonious way between

54 ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010)

Human mobility and respect for the environment. "It is
said that the bicycle is a masterpiece of simplicity and
logic" [2].
Advantages and disadvantages cycling
Also in Bogotá, it is estimated that those who use the
bicycle can save up to $ 30 a month [4]. Another major
attraction of the bike is its value; 200 times less than a
car. It reduces the amount of space used to travel on the
roads.

disadvantages A bicycle he compares with his older opponent; the car,

Difficulty carrying cargo and passengers, risk of we find the following: Six bicycles occupying the space
accidents, dependence on environmental conditions, of a street car. As for parking, 20 bicycles occupying the
vulnerability to violence and theft, the handle conflict in space reserved for carriage [5]. For most of the
countries in the world to acquire the bicycle, it is not a
the process of disrepair, Complications for use in formal
major obstacle to promote its use. In Colombia 140
presentation, there is no priority in traffic. topographic
thousand new cars a year, compared to 1.2 million
and climatic characteristics: One of the major constraints
bicycles, half of which are sold in Mexico [4] are sold.
facing the other modes is the distance. In fact
considered that for distances greater than 10 km bicycle
would not be a competitive transport mode [3].

Current situation of bicycle transport in

some countries
In countries where cycling has an important connotation
Advantage: See Table 1.
in terms of mobility, government agencies responsible
for transportation have implemented their plans, policies
Economic benefits
that benefit bicycle transportation. As a result, the
Infrastructure costs for pedestrians and bicycle increase in the percentage of trips by bicycle is a fact.
transportation are lower than those involving car
transport.

Table 1. Advantages bicycle [2]

economic
fast
It provides comfort
Flexible, low-cost value, taxes and use.
Basically versatility and self-sufficiency
does not require parking areas
Less space occupied on the roads does not
create technological dependence
door-to-door Mechanical easy and
accessible
environmental Recreativas
Health beneficent Provides fun freedom it allows
Liviana not pollute recreation Charitable Health
Self-sufficiency Provides an
Conservation of the environment Low power alternative system of mobility
consumption No need fuel Invigorating:
Allows more contact with people and with
nature does not generate or affected by
traffic jams. Civic culture generates no noise
Provides Equity Provides an alternative
system of mobility

Decrease monetary and social, direct and

indirect costs of traffic accidents.

ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010) 55

 Otherwise happens in cities of China, which for years
have been pioneers in this medium but in recent years
due to industrialization, the vehicle lost its popularity, political
management
bringing the cycling trips made by car trips.

In the vast majority of the countries surveyed, the Promotion and Organization
EOTB
private
aspects that are most relevant to encourage bicycle use training

are:

Promotion and education programs cyclists and drivers

Infrastructure and
Security
• Infrastructure: Parking, bike paths, segregation,
lighting and signage.
• Security: Prevention of accidents and theft of Figure 1. Proposed Model for Transportation
bicycles. cycling
• Inter-modal connection: facilities
transport the bicycle in other media. Secondary
aspects, but no less important are: Planning and control
bicycle mobility. Traffic management, security
facilities for the loan and purchase of bicycles, reducing
guarantees at intersections, continuous monitoring and
the speed of vehicles in high traffic areas bicycle and
parking are factors impacting positively to increased
pedestrian. Regions of the world where the highest
bicycle mobility. The construction of the following
percentage of bicycle trips are made are, in order of
models are based on the analysis of interviews, the
importance: Asia, Eastern Europe and Oceania.
situation in some countries and circumstances of
Countries with the highest percentages are the
Bogota. Importantly, in addition to information, building
Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden,
models was based soft methodology Peter Checkland,
Austria, England, France and Italy in ascending order.
which was applied in full except for the last step, as it
Likewise, the cities of major indices are: Tianjin (China),
was impossible to carry out because of the conditions of
Shenyang (China), Groningen (Netherlands), Beijing
the project. The yellow represents the benefits and
(China), Dhaka Bangladesh, Erlangen (Germany), Tokyo
aspects for bicycle transportation, orange the
(Japan).
organizations responsible for managing those aspects
and red represents the decisive fundamental factor, and
for the cycle. EOTB: Organizational structure for bicycle
transportation.
Results and analysis

conceptual model for bicycle transportation

(TB)
Construction of bike paths to encourage the use of
bicycle does not guarantee increased user is required
combination of strategies that work together [6]. In the External factors of the model topography, climate, natural
case of Bogotá risks of loss they are run on the disasters, the groups outside the law. Actors implicit in the
investment already made for the model: Citizenship in general.

56 ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010)

Dynamics of the conceptual model
1. Management Policy
This is the primary activity for carrying out any of the
proposals for this model.
Management can engage political leaders, government
and the district in general to their government programs
is set to continuously support, promotion, dissemination,
financing, acceptance, creation of
educational-environmental programs and reengineering
processes advancement and training on legal matters,
maintenance and policies that promote bicycle
transportation (TB).
These coordination activities are performed primarily by
the user organization towards political leaders and then
shaping the structure
2. Organizational for bicycle transportation (EOTB),
will be held jointly by the two entities
It makes it happen. The best example is the construction
of bike paths Bogota, as campaign promise of Enrique
Peñalosa Former Mayor, who was fully convinced of the
importance of such measures. Similarly, the
pedestrianization of the center of Curitiba, Brazil, was
also supported by an enlightened mayor. Prioritizing the
use of bicycles in China was a decision of high levels of
the national government and the Party, the same as
today use restrictions are also imposed by the
government [7].
3. Creation and implementation of EOTB:
Organizational Structure for Bicycle
Transportation (Public).
Organization responsible for coordinating with all
relevant entities, activities for proper operation and
logistics of the system. This organization would be
financed by resources of the state and its members
would be people who already belong to each of the
entities of the District, who know and somehow manage
issues related to bicycle mobility.

Historically generation projects for non-motorized Administrative organization will handle all legal and
transport, occur because someone with political power, regulatory aspects necessary for bicycle mobility.
money and perseverance

Approval and allocation of

resources for forming the EOTB

Studies: mobility, accident

Making corrections and improvements to the

system

Information gathering operating

system Performing a specific regulations for
Monitoring and evaluation
transport bike
assessment of
information
Modal connectivity and integration
with other systems

Design and implementation of

Control and monitoring
infrastructure and signaling for bicycle
system
transportation

Figure 2. Proposed Model for EOTB:

ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010) 57

 4. Creation and implementation of an organization
PRIVATE users and supporters bicycle
Non-profit organization but with sponsorship from private
companies and activities carried out by it. Its main
objective is lobbying to government entities
political leaders to
Y means by international organizations such as the World
acceptance and creation of programs and projects that
promote bicycle transportation. These actions are
performed by coordinating a large group of members
who have in common the desire to establish an active
role in the marketing system, quality service and
reliability for this transport system. Among the members
should be persons
influential, community leaders,
publicly recognizable characters in order to achieve
more effective mechanisms of pressure. In order to
exercise political influence, it is important to recognize
that this organization requires windows of opportunity.
These translate to find the right political moment and
create needs that would benefit both parties: political
and proponents. Otherwise its objectives [8] would
remain only intentions.
It is important that the organization has a champion of
the project, to lead the actions of the team of
professionals that make it up as they should be:
consultants international planning, civil engineers, a
local partner with influence and contacts within the
government, an NGO local university or company
planning work experience and study population [7]. In
some countries,
pressure
cyclists, NGOs and agencies international
financing have proved vital to put pressure on the needs
of bicycle transportation. Bicycle facilities in many large
cities in the US, Western Europe, Central Europe
(Carcovia, Budapest) in Bangkok and the dramatic
improvement of pedestrian facilities
58 ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010)
in Seoul clearly they resulted from pressure applied to
the government by NGOs and federations of cyclists. In
Accra and Tamale (Ghana),
in Tanzania, Marakina (Manila /
Philippines), Lima (Peru), Gdansk (Poland), Yogyakarta
(Indonesia) and Santiago de Chile, was given a big
boost to new facilities bicycle and other non-motorized
Bank or UNDP, and generally more specifically
committed by individuals within those institutions [7].
Other examples are: The first is Maryland Bicycle
Advisory Committee (BAC) who have established close
work with several members of the state assembly and
senate [9]. The other case is that of Bicycle Victoria in
Australia, which has promoted an extensive and
comprehensive network of bike paths thanks to the
Y pressure of its 42,000 members [10]. ACU also: Urban
Cyclists Association of Buenos Aires, who led meetings,
forums, seminars and special events,
holds three weekly social rides, publishes
a newsletter and a handbook on the bike, making
presentations in schools, conducts studies on topics
such as bike racks and integration with trains and
provides detailed recommendations to the municipal
government [11].
5. Management system benefits. INFRASTRUCTURE
AND SAFETY
Among the benefits for the system, one of the most
important to promote the use of bicycles as a means of
transport is the creation and / or adaptation of adequate
for bicycle infrastructure, this includes: signs, bike paths,
dividers, bridges, lighting , among others and their
the
respective maintenance. As a second measure but
equally important is the guarantee of security in the
system. Security against crime and to vehicular traffic
that threatens the movement of cyclists. To establish a
proper infrastructure is taken into account:
• Planning and design: The use of new designs and
technologies based on the guidelines that take into
account alternative means of transport.
• Location: The location is a function of the urban
space and population.
• Access: For coordinating these components of the system
they must be feasible.
• Promotion and Training: It refers to actions for
disseminating the importance of the use of bicycles,
both permanent advertising campaigns and
educational campaigns. Programs in schools which is
implemented in the subjects, the relevance of bicycle
mobility and proper way to do it. Introduce coverage
system and the advantages it has. In more advanced
countries where NGOs have access to more
resources, which is in recognition of the importance of
these issues for the city, so now more common than
before government,
initiates public awareness campaigns on
sustainable urban transport [11].
How the cycle works?
Creating user organization is beginning to influence the
leaders, therefore, it becomes political management for
profit to the TB. This policy will create the new
management organization called the EOTB who in turn
will be responsible for carrying out promotional activities,
training and provide benefits to bicycle users.
In the absence of a citizen awareness and attitude
change, the need for bicycle users require more
government guarantees and benefits for TB, returning
again as the so-called political management
(infrastructure and security).
A obtaining the benefits of the system, they will be
regulated by both organizations, which in turn relate to
the user, in order to meet their needs or to offer this
service.
The cycle begins again in the process, when the user
organization continues its efforts to exercise political
activities; but now there is an interaction with EOTB,
thus the cycle continues creating reliability and
effectiveness of the system in their necessary conditions
to facilitate the TB. In conclusion the EOTB will handle
the insertion of a new mobility policy for
transport cycle, so that not only must provide
infrastructure and maintenance, but alternative solutions
to problems, creating a support structure for bicycle
transport [12]. This organization must be constructed in
such solid bases, such as motor vehicles and guarantee
their permanence for years [13]. If there is no political
management is not possible projects that can benefit
bicycle transportation. That policy management is based
on the pressure exerted by the masses.
Existing regulations about bicycle as transportation
provided by law 769 of 2002 in the National Traffic Code
[14], does not benefit cyclists; It refers to a number of
penalties and repression, but not guarantee security and
traffic more efficiently by users, in addition to similarity
with standards for motorcycles way. According to some
of
the interviewed, the
the unmotivated mandatory helmet use bicycle. The
argument against is that the so low and because of the
flexibility of this vehicle speeds, the risks are minimal,
except with automotive traffic crashes where collisions
could be even fatal and additional costs involved in it.
conclusions
The bicycle is the means, greener and cheaper for both
the user and the national economy [3] healthier
transport. Use the bike allows performing aerobic
exercises
which they are important for
ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010) 59
 fight high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and depression
[15].
has not made a complete study about the actual use of
the bicycle as transportation in Bogota, only
approximations are known from the 87,000 users who
use ciclorruta permanently. However, we can say that
from the study by JICA in 1996 was an increase in the
use of 0.58% to a little over 2% of the total trips in
Bogota (data obtained for 2003 by a study
commissioned by the IDU) .
The conceptual model for bicycle transportation is a
comprehensive and innovative approach to handle
bicycle mobility. this type of approach because in some
countries have not been successful plans and programs
towards bicycle mobility, because it is likely to miss
some of the determinants raised in the model or raised
according to their relationships is performed.
Ciclorrutas master of Bogotá plan has produced: "The
Manual of Social Marketing and Public Consultation"
where the proposal of an organization and its strategies
action is made as to non-motorized transport. This
organization was never put into operation due to
omission, indifference, lack of precursors and resources
to operate [16]. According to this experience it is
important to emphasize the need for private
organization, which is responsible for managing firm
action to eradicate the indifference of the administration
to this kind of activities. However it is vital that the
private organization does not perform, promote, or acted
in favor of political campaigns to promote political
candidates or parties of any kind.
It is necessary that programs of government leaders,
equitable distribution of resources is made according to
the needs of
60 ADVANCES Engineering Research 12 (2010)
the population, considering that the vast majority of the
citizens of Bogotá, there can be mobilized by car.
Currently the most efficient means of transport in cities
are cycling and mass transit systems because of their
economic, environmental and social benefits. Promoting
solidarity and equity appear in a forceful manner when
the conditions are given planning and design
appropriate infrastructure to use the bicycle as transport.
For years it has promoted the use of the car with long
highways at high speeds. It is time to take actions that in
proportion to the purchasing power of the population,
ensure better distribution of resources transport
investment. We are talking about an increase in
investment for pedestrians and cyclists, and a decrease
in creation and maintenance of roads for motor vehicles.
It is necessary to implement education policies and
programs for drivers of motor vehicles. They must have
a change of attitude and respect, both for pedestrians
and for cyclists. Repressive measures should be for
drivers and not for cyclists who are most vulnerable to
an accident [17].
Local governments should impose higher taxes and
drivers of motor vehicles, so that they can invest in the
damage they generate [18]. It is essential that the
requirements of bicycle mobility translate into rules and
measures law, so that the benefits become key priorities
of cyclists as priority at intersections and greater
opportunities for mobility, ensuring their safety,
accessibility and visibility. make necessary
the regulation and
technical specifications that meet basic safety standards
for reuse
the bicycle taxis as a means of transportation in the city of
Bogota.
An important aspect is the recognition by the business
sectors that are aware, that providing parking facilities
for bicycles or road closures could increase their
clientele and therefore their income.
Bike cops are a way to provide security in the city, save
money, reduce pollution, but also facilitate more
effective work and improve relations between the police
and members of the city [19]. Yes,
companies will explore the possibility to distribute
their products using the bike or your employees use it as
a means of transport, taking into account the
topography, distances less than 10 km, the advantages
offered by this vehicle, determine support and increase
use.
The construction of new bike paths in cities, should
sacrifice the space of motor vehicles and no
pedestrians. This generates greater citizen and better
living spaces for the city.
In the city of Bogotá is necessary for ciclorrutas expand
and have more connectivity in all sections, management
of traffic safety in every way, cycle-stations with
showers, lockers, good lighting, signage and also that
the bike is included in land use plans in the planning and
overall transportation projects in public and private
infrastructure.
The vast majority of authors consulted coincide in the
rejection of the use of the car, but the biggest problem is
not the existence of the same, but its overuse in short
sections. In the case of Bogotá, an ideal state, it would
be where the citizen uses the bicycle as a means of
transportation on weekdays to go to work or study and
weekend use your vehicle to leave the city as a means
of recreation.
It is essential to promote the use of bicycle design new
products and accessories for means of non-motorized
mobility, such as recumbent bikes, the public bicycle
systems, the design of a special bicycle for use in
Bogotá, among others. Special thanks for their
collaboration in the document: M.Sc. Jorge Acevedo in
Civil Engineering, Associate Professor Universidad de
los Andes Bogotá, Colombia.
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