Urban Planning Ministry issues bylaw to ensure safe cycling in urban traffic

Turkey's Environment and Urban Planning Ministry has issued a bylaw to ensure safe cycling in intra-city traffic by regulating the construction of bicycle roads and stations. 

The regulation on the design and construction of bicycle roads, stations and parking lots entered into force after being published in the Official Gazette on Nov. 3. 

According to the regulation, roads will initially be constructed in regions determined to be suitable for biking in terms of their topography. 

The continuity of roads was underlined as an important aspect of planning, as it was desired for cyclists to reach their destinations without facing interruptions such as junctions, median strips or building sites. 

The project also aspired to encourage cycling as an alternative to public transportation. Hence, cycling roads will be constructed in locations which will enable access to important means of public transportation including subway, train and bus stations, as well as ferry ports. 

In addition, a number of public buses equipped with bike racks will operate between predetermined routes. Such routes will be designated based on the intensity of traffic and the frequency of hills, which may discourage cyclists.

Bus drivers will also be educated and instructed on how to interact with cyclists.

The regulation also added that cyclists will be free to use subways and ferries with their bikes, with the exception of rush hours. At those times, a limitation will apply to how many cyclists will be permitted to take the subway. 

The regulation explained that bicycle roads will be built between sidewalks and the right traffic lane, and there will be an adequate number of parking lots and stations along the road.