Definição de estratégias para que as bicicletas sejam utilizadas como meio de transporte regular em Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Urban mobility and its impacts on people’s quality of life and the environment have long been the subject of study. Increasingly, countries have been investing in infrastructure to encompass and promote the use of micromobility and/or active mobility as a solution to issues related to urban mobility. Thus, improved cycling infrastructure not only enhances conditions for cyclists but also contributes to a higher urban quality of life for residents, thereby improving the overall habitability of a city in several ways. Transport policies and urban infrastructure have always been relevant to urban quality of life; however, most studies emphasize only these aspects. It is also necessary to consider personal and cultural factors. This study aimed not only to present successful initiatives regarding the use of bicycles - so as to define the current cycling scenario in the country and provide the theoretical foundation for the research - but also to analyze people’s perceptions concerning the use of bicycles as a regular means of transportation. It was observed that, although modest initiatives have been implemented to create some level of infrastructure, bicycles are still not widely used as a regular mode of transportation. Based on this premise, cyclists, drivers, and non-drivers were interviewed to enable a more detailed analysis of their perceptions regarding the use of bicycles as a regular means of transport in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. By compiling best practices from various locations through benchmarking, along with personal perceptions and considerations of the legal framework, it was possible to define strategies capable of supporting specific actions to promote the use of bicycles as a regular means of transportation in the city of Belo Horizonte.