Planning for cyclists is one of the necessary conditions for promoting cycling, but what are the real effects? How do cycle facilities impact cycle traffic? What are the effects on cycling? And on the experience of the journey? These are the questions OUVEMA (Observatoire universitaire du vélo et des mobilités actives) has been asking itself through an innovative approach that supplements the traditional counting method with observations and surveys of cyclists.

This approach makes it possible to assess the effects of the development both quantitatively (volume and characteristics of cycle traffic) and qualitatively (cyclists' practices and experiences). The counts and observations of cycle traffic, carried out between 7.30am and 7pm, enabled the number of cyclists and their profile (gender, age, type of bike) to be recorded. At the same time, intercept surveys were used to question cyclists about their profile, their use of the bicycle (purpose, length of journey, frequency, origin and destination) and their experience (safety, efficiency, comfort, use of the area, etc.).

The City of Fribourg has mandated OUVEMA to evaluate the effects of the new cycle lane on the Boulevard de Pérolles. Located on a heavily motorised route linking the station and the universities, the cycle lane has been replaced by 70 car parking spaces over a length of 1km and a width of 1.9m. The study was carried out between autumn 2021 and autumn 2022, i.e. before the development and one year after its implementation.

The results show a sharp increase in cycle traffic on the Boulevard de Pérolles, with traffic rising by 20% on weekdays, with as many as 2,000 cyclists. Daily use is heavily influenced by commuter traffic, and the majority of cyclists are men (around 57%). The cycle lane has improved the commuting experience, with a marked improvement in safety in particular. Almost ¾ of cyclists also feel less stressed since the installation of the cycle lane. Cohabitation with motorised traffic has also been made easier, and the journey is much more pleasant. We have also observed that a quarter of cyclists use the boulevard more often. So, by improving the experience of journeys in Pérolles, the cycle lane has attracted new cyclists and strengthened existing practices.

Publications:

• Build it and they will come? The effects of a new infrastructure on cycling practices and experiences. Rérat Patrick, Schmassmann Aurélie, 2024. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 25, 101121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2024.101121
• Quels sont les effets d'une infrastructure cyclable? Schmassmann Aurélie, Rérat Patrick, 2023/09. PRO VELO Info 65 p. 15. [serval:BIB_2019D89DA1D2]
• Quels sont les effets d'un nouvel aménagement cyclable? L'exemple du boulevard de Pérolles à Fribourg. Schmassmann Aurélie, Rérat Patrick, 2023. (8) 32 Etudes urbaines: rapport de recherche, Institut de géographie et durabilité. [serval:BIB_D1E749E2B68D]
• Quels sont les effets d'un aménagement cyclable? Une démarche innovante appliquée à Fribourg. Schmassmann Aurélie, Rérat Patrick, 2023/06/08. Info Bulletin: revue de la Conférence Vélo Suisse 1/23 pp. 12-15. [serval:BIB_B47299A42932]
• Wie wirkt sich die Veloinfrastruktur auf den Veloverkehr aus? – Anwendung einer neuen Untersuchungsmethode in Fribourg. Schmassmann Aurélie, Rérat Patrick, 2023/06/08. Info Bulletin: Velo Konferenz Schweiz 1/23 S. 12-15. https://www.velokonferenz.ch/de/publikationen/info-bulletin