Inclusive infrastructure design to reduce cyclists travel time during pandemic COVID 19

Authors

Silvera, Manuel

Guerrero, Helena

Huamanchumo, Jose

Abstract

Lima (as is the case of other parts of Peru) has declared a state of health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to scientific reports, infections occur in public transportation. This has forced the government to promote the use of sustainable means of transportation, such as bicycles. This alternative has been widely accepted since, according to the economic newspaper “Gestión,” the pandemic has increased the demand for bicycles by 282% and for electric scooters by 58% [1]. However, bicyclists feel insecure as a result of poor infrastructure. The most prominent were the lack of connectivity, conflicts between bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles, and long travel times for bicyclists. Therefore, this article seeks to assess simulations of cycling-inclusive alternatives in the district of Miraflores, carried out using the Vissim software, based on geometric redesigns and accompanied by Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), such as the use of actuated traffic lights aimed at bicyclists. Finally, all alternatives proposed succeeded in creating an inclusive infrastructure for all types of bicyclists. This was verified through the use of Vissim, with a decrease in average travel time of bicyclists by 24.48%.