Written by: Karmen Višić, Karla Potnar, Ana Asanović, Lara Penović, Lara Arranovski, Marin Katić
Students of the Tourism and Hospitality School, 4c
If you live in the city of Split, you may have thought about cycling to work or school.
You’ll weigh the pros and cons: health benefits, low prices, and speed – versus the fact that you might get hit by an 18-ton truck.
All in all, you may have decided that you don’t want to take the risk. The problem in Split is the lack of bicycle paths, and many wish to build them. Building bike lanes in the city is a way of improving mobility and promoting a healthier lifestyle, as well as ensuring the safety of cyclists.
But does Split have what it takes to build bike lanes? Keep reading and find out.
Advantages of bicycle paths in Split
1. Safety for cyclists
The main advantage of bike lanes is to improve the overall safety of cyclists riding on city streets. The introduction of bicycle paths reduces the number of serious accidents among all road users.
2. Reduced possibility of disturbing pedestrians
Bike lanes are a great way to reduce pedestrian disruption. When cities lack paths, cyclists do not feel safe and often ride on the sidewalk. This is a big problem, mainly because the sidewalk is a pedestrian-only area, and the presence of vehicles makes it dangerous for both cyclists and pedestrians.
3. They enable cyclists to ride faster
How does a bike lane allow you to ride faster? They eliminate stress and worry about possible accidents and keep your concentration on driving.
Disadvantages of bicycle paths in Split
1. Less space for cars
Building bike lanes means reducing space for cars. This can result in increased traffic congestion, and if you add to that poor planning, the streets will be full of cars.
2. Inappropriate design
Building bike lanes is not something to be taken lightly as it changes traffic dynamics and requires a lot of planning and knowledge. Poor implementation of bike lanes can increase traffic and make it difficult for cars and bikes to ride.
3. They can also be used by other drivers
Even if cycle paths are designed exclusively for bicycles, they are often used by motorcycles and other motorists. Due to a lack of awareness and respect for cycling, most bike lanes are considered a way out of heavy traffic. This can go from rude to dangerous very quickly as collisions between cyclists and other vehicles are more likely.
Why is cycling important?
Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels, and lungs get a workout. You will breathe more deeply, sweat, and feel an increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level.
The health benefits of regular cycling include:
• increased cardiovascular capacity
• increased muscle strength and flexibility
• improved joint mobility
• reduced stress levels
• improved posture and coordination
• strengthened bones
• reduced levels of body fat
• disease prevention or management
• reduced anxiety and depression.
Choose a bike!
As part of the Choose a Bike! project, which was financed by the EU, 242 electric and ordinary bicycles and 40 bicycle stations were acquired, with the fact that Split got as many as 16 terminals with 50 electric and 20 ordinary bicycles. The goal of this project was to connect the area of Solin, Trogir, Kaštela, Podstrana, Klis, Dugopolje, and Dicmo with a public bicycle system.
It is expected that the system of public bicycles in eight Dalmatian cities and municipalities will greatly interest many citizens, as well as tourists who come to visit Split and its surroundings.
Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to the elderly. It’s also fun, cheap, and good for the environment. Driving to work or the grocery store is one of the most time-efficient ways to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. Regardless of their shortcomings, bike paths are an important resource for cyclists in Split.
Adding a bike lane is undoubtedly a step towards affordable and environmentally friendly transportation and improving the health of the population. If you decide to live healthier and cheaper, see where to rent bicycles in Split, what is the price of one ride or a subscription, and be sure to study traffic etiquette as a cyclist.
