Residents of Tartu participated actively in the mapping of public bicycle system locations
Tartu City Government
19 September / This summer, residents of Tartu were able to participate in the mapping of public bicycle system locations, and to complete a survey for the better planning of the public bicycle system.
Residents of Tartu participated actively in the mapping of locations as well as the survey – a total of 2386 locations for possible public bicycle parking facilities were marked on the web map and 247 people answered the survey.
Of the 2386 desired locations for bicycle parking facilities marked on the web map, the majority were located in the City Centre, Annelinn and Tähtvere city districts. The most locations were marked in the vicinity of Town Hall Square, near the Kaubamaja, and at the railway station and the bus station. Several popular locations are associated with educational institutions. Other important locations that were mapped include larger shopping centres, Tartu University Hospital, and the new Estonian National Museum building.
The survey examined whether a well-functioning public bicycle system would prompt people to give up driving cars, riding buses, walking or using their own bicycle. In the case of a well-functioning public bicycle system, 28% of those who currently travel mainly by car were willing to give up doing so. In the case of bus riders, 24% were willing to begin riding bicycles instead of the bus. A total of 11% would give up riding their personal bicycles.
Respondents found that public bicycle system parking facilities could be located within an average distance of 536 metres from their place of residence or employment. If the system is a good one, a majority of respondents are ready to use the public bicycle system throughout the year: 25% of respondents would definitely do so, and 50% would be ‘more than likely to do so’.
The survey also examined the opinion of Tartu’s residents when it came to the cost of using the public bicycle system. A total of 76% of respondents replied that the first 30 minutes of use of the public bicycle system should be free. Forty-three per cent of respondents were ready to spend EUR 5 per month, while 30% were willing to spend EUR 10 per month, and 11% replied that the service should be free of charge.
The most popular method of payment proved to be the Tartu Bus Card (39%), followed by mobile telephone (32%) and bank card (23%).
Over the next two years, the City of Tartu is planning to construct a public bicycle system in Tartu, which will be comprised of 600-800 rental bicycles and 60-80 rental stations located across the city. The goal is to shape the public bicycle system into a part of the public transportation system and to integrate them into a complementary whole. The opinions of residents and mobile positioning data used for route network analysis will be used in planning locations for the public bicycle system. Currently underway are preparations for the technical procurement for the public bicycle system.
Last changed 19.09.2017
