In recent years we have seen an ascendancy among the ranks of our citizens who choose alternative transport as a basic one. This happens for several reasons, either they want to avoid traffic jams, or try a healthy way of life, or because of the epidemiological situation in the world. Whatever the reason, alternative transport is more economical, affordable and easy to maintain. But to facilitate transport we need a sustainable and accessible infrastructure for all.
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, the presentation of the infrastructure development strategy for alternative transport took place in Chisinau. The strategy project was developed within the framework of the partnership between Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM), Green City Lab – the urban innovation laboratory supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and ECOPRO. The aim of this strategy is to formulate the vision for the City Council, to make Chisinau a safe city for pedestrians and cyclists.
Our support aims to ensure that people can choose how to travel through the city, where all sustainable travel options are available, whether it is public or private transport, cycling or walking in order to ensure comfort, speed, sustainability and efficiency of movement," said Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Moldova.
European practice shows that for the sustainable development of cities it is necessary to improve urban mobility, the ecological situation and the health of the population. Urban cycling is an effective tool in this regard and we aim to ensure the best possible conditions for those who choose the bicycle as a means of travel," says Ion Ceban, the general mayor of Chisinau.
Tatiana Mihailova, ACM Project Manager and moderator of the event, highlighted that any infrastructure development requires a strategic vision, institutional and regulatory framework. "We are glad that the first steps towards the development of alternative transport infrastructure have been taken, there is a political will and an active movement of alternative transport users, representatives of civil society. Thus, a dialogue was created between them, but it still requires increasing the capacity level, improving the legislative framework and serious resources for the implementation of the strategy targets and objectives."
According to a 2020 survey of 2003 respondents, 4 out of 10 people cycle 5-10 km, while a quarter cover 10-20 km and only 15.4% - up to 5 km, and 17.7% - distances greater than 20 km. Thus, bicycle transport can take over a significant part of daily trips to Chisinau.
More about: Survey results .
¾ of the respondents stated that they would definitely opt for the bicycle, in case of an adapted infrastructure for this ecological means of transport.
The main results expected after the implementation of the Strategy for the development of infrastructure for alternative transport in the city of Chisinau, until 2026, are:
- Creation of a network of routes for alternative transport, with a total length of 200 km, which will connect all sectors of Chisinau;
- Changing the attitude of the inhabitants towards alternative transport;
- Increasing the share of alternative transport in relation to the total share of daily movements of all types of transport up to 1%;
- Increasing the number of bicycle parking lots near public institutions, educational institutions, and leisure centers.
The strategy was discussed at a public consultation event, conducted on 13 March 2021. The document is to be approved by the City Council, and its implementation is the responsibility of the local public administration.
web: UNPD Moldova