BICYCLES AND CYCLE-RICKSHAWS IN ASIAN CITIES: ISSUES AND STRATEGIES

Abstract

An overview of the use and impacts of nonmotorized vehicles in Asian cities is provided. Variations in nonmotorized vehicle use, economic aspects of nonmotorized vehicles in Asia, and facilities that serve nonmotorized vehicles are discussed, and a reexamination of street space allocation on the basis of corridor trip length distribution and efficiency of street space use is urged. The relationship between bicycles and public transportation; regulatory, tax, and other policies affecting nonmotorized vehicles; and the influence of land use and transportation investment patterns on nonmotorized vehicle use are discussed. Conditions under which nonmotorized vehicle use should be encouraged for urban transportation, obstacles to nonmotorized vehicle development, actions that could be taken to foster appropriate use of nonmotorized vehicles, and research needs are identified.