As part of the project to develop micromobility infrastructure in Baku, more than 10 kilometres of bicycle paths have been built and the network is planned to be expanded. The first bicycle rental service has been operating in Baku since August.
The first bicycle rental service was launched in Baku in August. Users can rent this type of transport on a monthly or hourly basis.
About the topic “Caspian” We present the newspaper article.
Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) said that this service frees users from worries about traffic jams and parking. In addition, the system, which allows renting a bike, riding and returning it to any parking spot, provides convenient opportunities for residents and tourists to make safe and sustainable trips around the city.
Around 50 parking spaces
As for infrastructure, AYNA reported that in the city of Baku, around 50 parking spots for micromobility vehicles were created, appropriate facilities were installed and signs were posted with information on the procedure for renting bicycles:
“When creating parking zones, their proximity to metro stations, bus stops, educational institutions and large shopping centers was taken into account. QR codes were displayed on information boards. By switching to the software through these QR codes on mobile devices, the process of activating and deactivating bicycles was carried out. It is possible to see the nearest parking spots through the application.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev also noted on his social media account that more than 10 kilometers of bicycle paths have been built within the framework of the project for the development of micromobility infrastructure in Baku, and the expansion of the network is planned.
Car dominance or interest in cycling?
According to world statistics, the number of traffic accidents is reduced by 24 to 30 percent in cities that have made bicycles a means of transport. It is known that in the second half of the 20th century the world was dominated by automobiles and the development of cities tended to adapt to mass motorization. Modern trends are quite the opposite.
I wonder what the prospects are for preferring bicycles in Baku at the moment. In general, is it possible to use this vehicle as the main means of transport in Azerbaijan?
Interest in bicycles will increase as will the car
Transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev said that over the past 15 years, more cars have been created than vehicles in Azerbaijan, which has stimulated car ownership:
“Naturally, as alternative means and conditions for their use are created, this interest changes. Interest in bicycles will grow just as much as in cars. Eight months ago, the first bicycle lane was built. Most importantly, the network of bicycle lanes in Baku is expanding. This network also covers other areas of the city. Today, bicycle parking and rentals have been organized.
There is demand for bicycles in the country.
The expert said that there are currently enough people who use bicycle rentals in the country:
“In addition, there were already private users of bicycles and transport services before the application was launched. There is demand for bicycles in the country. In order to increase and stimulate this demand, it is necessary to promote bicycles and carry out serious educational work.”
For convenient transportation of bicycles without disassembling them…
As for the steps to be taken in the future, the expert said that it is necessary to create an appropriate infrastructure for bicycle transportation:
“For example, in some countries it is possible to transport bicycles on trains without disassembling them. In order to be able to transport bicycles comfortably without disassembling them, this option should be considered in the future for both intercity and regional travel. In addition, the network of bicycle lanes on city roads should be increased and barriers in front of them should be removed in some areas, temporarily if construction work is taking place or the bicycle lane is blocked due to some measure, alternatives should be considered and traffic should be controlled. not stopping. This should be reflected in both law and regulations.”
A priority issue in the transport system
Transport expert Yasin Mustafayev noted that recent developments in the transport sector are commendable:
“The priority in the transport system of developed countries is to abandon personal vehicles, i.e. cars, and give preference to bicycles, scooters and pedestrians. This is important for people’s health and prevents traffic jams. In this regard, the measures taken in our country in recent times are commendable: the construction of cycle lanes, promotional works in this area and bicycle rental are a very good step.”
Conditions must be created so that people can go everywhere by bicycle.
According to the expert, it is necessary to inform every citizen who must walk or cycle a distance of 1 to 3 kilometers:
“Of course, this infrastructure needs to be further expanded, conditions need to be created so that people can go everywhere by bike. The number of bicycle lanes needs to be increased as much as possible and additional measures need to be taken. The terrain and climate of our city are also suitable for the use of bicycles and scooters. This is an indispensable tool for reducing traffic jams and parking problems, reducing the burden on public transport and improving life in the city. The good news is that this system already exists and its development is underway. It is inevitable.”
