Integration of Bicycle Friendly Route and Infrastructure in Urban transport System: Case Study Of Patna

Within cities, bicycle transport is essential for short distances. Students and low-income
groups in India choose to utilise bicycles as their primary means of transportation due to
the high rate of bicycle ownership, affordability, and usability. Bicycles are frequently used as a mode of transportation by people from low-income backgrounds since they are the most cost-effective option available to them.

The urban population is anticipated to rise dramatically as India’s cities continue to urbanise at an unprecedented rate, increasing demand for transport. However, the nation’s current urban infrastructure is already in disrepair. It is urgent to improve the quality of life for urban dwellers given the alarming rates of traffic fatalities, rising air pollution, congestion, and urban sprawl. Promoting bicycles as one of the sustainable modes of transportation is necessary to achieve this.

In Patna, buses and railways have served as the primary modes of public transportation.
However, intermediate transport options also play a crucial role in providing last-mile
connectivity within the city. Non-motorized transport holds significant importance in Patna, accounting for approximately 62% of the modal share. Among non-motorized modes, bicycling stands out with a modal share of 33%, which is notably high compared to both Indian and foreign cities.Article Sponsored Find something for everyone in our collection of colourful, bright and stylish socks. Buy individually or in bundles to add color to your sock drawer!

The modal share of bicycles in Patna Municipal Corporation is remarkably high compared to other modes of transportation, with bicyclists accounting for 33% of users. When comparing this modal share with metro cities, medium cities, and other small cities, Patna’s share remains notably high. The average trip length in Patna is 5.8 km. When compared to metro cities, the trip length in Patna is lower. However, when compared with medium cities, the trip length varies and is lower than that of Patna. Notably, trip distances below 6 km are considered suitable for bicycle travel, making Patna’s trip length conducive to cycling.

In Indian context

Bicycles are very common in Indian cities, mostly because they are inexpensive, especially for low-income populations. Bicycles often make up 13% to 21% of the mode share in medium-sized (1 to 3 million) and big (3 to 5 million) cities. Although the proportion of bicycle rides may be lower in megacities—roughly 6% to 8%—the overall number of bicycle trips is still substantial when compared to European cities. An estimated 0.70 to 1.0 million bicycle excursions take place daily in the majority of large Indian cities.

In Indian cities, the ownership of bicycles is prevalent, with a significant portion of households having one or more bicycles. According to the 2011 Census of India, this ownership spans from 35% to 65% in medium and big cities. The ownership fluctuates between 33% and 48% in smaller cities. In medium-sized and big cities, the average trip distance for all cars is between 4.2 and 6.9 km, while it is between 3.1 and 4.5 km for bicycles. According to an analysis of trip length frequency distribution, a sizeable percentage of trips—between 56% and 72%—cover distances under 5 km, which are conveniently within the cycling range.

Cycling in Patna

In Patna, buses and railways have served as the primary modes of public transportation.
However, intermediate transport options also play a crucial role in providing last-mile
connectivity within the city. Non-motorized transport holds significant importance in Patna,
accounting for approximately 62% of the modal share. Among non-motorized modes,
bicycling stands out with a modal share of 33%, which is notably high compared to both
Indian and foreign cities.

The modal share of bicycles in Patna Municipal Corporation is remarkably high compared
to other modes of transportation, with bicyclists accounting for 33% of users. When
comparing this modal share with metro cities, medium cities, and other small cities, Patna’s
share remains notably high.
The average trip length in Patna is 5.8 km. When compared to metro cities, the trip length in
Patna is lower. However, when compared with medium cities, the trip length varies and is
lower than that of Patna. Notably, trip distances below 6 km are considered suitable for
bicycle travel, making Patna’s trip length conducive to cycling.