About The Association
"Tel-Aviv Bicycle Association" - Who we are
"Tel Aviv Bicycle Association" is a voluntary
organization founded in the summer of 1994 by a group of Tel-Aviv bicycle
riders, from different walks of life, who are fed up with the obstacles
which Tel-Aviv is piling up in the way of cyclists in this city: the absence
of a minimal infrastructure for cycling, the hostility of car drivers,
and the indifference of the authorities in charge.
Some of us have visited other cities abroad which are
similar to Tel-Aviv in size and density, and we have been convinced that
things can be different.
We intend to bring about a complete turn around in the relationship between
Tel-Aviv and the bicycle: to transform Tel-Aviv from a hostile to an amiable
city to the means of transportation which is the most friendly to the city.
The Goals of "Tel-Aviv Bicycle Association":
- To bring about the implementation of a network of
bicycle routes between activity nodes in the city which will provide
safe and convenient cycling conditions.
- To encourage cycling to work, studies, leisure
and tourism.
- To enhance the awareness of the citizens, potential
cyclists, drivers and municipal officials to the advantages of bicycles
to the city and its inhabitants, as well as to the rights of cyclists in
the city.
The nucleus of the "Tel Aviv Bicycle Association"
consists of about 15 people, among them transportation and urban planners,
an architect and a landscape designer, media people, and students. There
are also a few dozen active members. The group's activities are on an ongoing
basis, and operates through sub-groups on a number of tracks involving
planning and design proposals to the municipality, political lobbying,
recruiting supporters and raising awareness with the general public.
THE GOAL:
TURNING TEL-AVIV INTO A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY CITY
Why is there little
use of bicycles here?
The most often cited reason for not riding a bicycle,
according to a survey conducted by "Tel Aviv Bicycle Association",
is the fear of mingling with motorized traffic.
Bicycle owners who rarely use their bicycles in the city note that bicycle
paths and education for automobile drivers would greatly increase their
willingness to use their bicycles as a major mode of transportation in
the city.
Many other city residents are simply unaware of the new bicycle technology
and the resultant potential of the bicycle for urban transportation.
Tel-Aviv is a city
made for bicycles!
Why:
- Tel-Aviv is a city with a flat terrain and a moderate
subtropical climate.
- The compact size of the city, at 10 kilometers
long by 3 kilometers wide, is optimal for cycling trips: according to planning
surveys, a reasonable distance for bicycle transportation is between five
and seven kilometers.
Proposed plan of "Tel-Aviv Bicycle Association" to the Municipality
-> Press here to see the
sketch <-
- Implementation (in stages) of a network of bicycle paths
in Tel-Aviv, according to the attached plan. The paths will be laid out
on existing routes (streets and sidewalks, in accordance with the particular
situation). Detailed planning of the path network will be undertaken by
the Transportation Department and/or an outside planner hired by the Municipality.
The updated plans will be based on existing plans developed by municipal
Transportation Department. Investigations performed by the department in
the past have indicated that it is feasible to include bicycle paths in
the existing street network.
- The proposed first phase of the network has two parts:
(1) a bike path linking three major boulevards (Ben-Gurion - Chen - Rothschild)
with the promenade along the beach and (2) a bike path linking City Hall
to the Yarkon Park and the University of Tel-Aviv. This phase should be
completed within a year (see enclosed map no.1).
- An additional aspect of this first phase includes installing
bicycle parking facilities at chosen locations, and at public institutions
in particular.
- Budgeting of the plan is to be undertaken by the Ministry
of Transportation and the Tel-Aviv Municipality. The estimated cost of
updating the existing plan and the implementation of all the paths, including
traffic lights , signs and necessary installations is approximately 3.0
million NIS ( one million dollars). This estimate is based on municipal
Transportation Department figures from 1987, adjusted for inflation.
- In the future, planning for bicycle paths should be incorporated
into city-wide plans for tourism, educational and public institutions,
and public transportation facilities.
Implementation Costs:
A network of bicycle paths requires a minimal investment
in comparison with other alternatives to curbing car trips such as providing
public parking lots, expanded roads and investments in public transportation).
Implementation is relatively simple and the results are visible.
The advantages to
the citizen from using a bicycle
- Time saved: the
average speed in a motor vehicle in Tel-Aviv (average morning hours, between
6am and 9am) is 13km/h. A bicycle with gears on a flat terrain can attain
a speed of 14km/h without difficulty.
- No parking problems.
- Flexibility: one
can get to almost any place on a bicycle and park them practically anywhere.
- Financial savings: no
fuel costs, minimal expense on maintenance and insurance.
- Health: cycling
is considered one of the healthiest aerobic activities involving minimal
friction. That's why it is suited for such a wide age spectrum and physical
fitness conditions. In addition, cycling in adequate conditions, i.e.,
dedicated paths, is a relaxing activity - just the opposite of travelling
in a car in the city.
- Cleaner & healthier environment:
the use of a bicycle instead of a vehicle prevents the emission of toxic
gases to the environment. Moreover, since the infrastructure required for
a bicycle is much smaller than that required for a car, it becomes possible
to leave more green spaces avilable.
- Safer transportation:
driving has become one of the dangerous activities, with road accidents
causing many unnecessary deaths. Riding in an approved bicycle trail, especially
in a physically separated one, is much safer.
- Bicycles are the preferred vehicle for the 9 -14 age
group.
- Bicycles are the preferred vehicle for students who do
not own a motor vehicle.
"Tel-Aviv Bicycle Association" - primary fronts
- Initiating and accompanying the creation of a network
of bike paths.
"Tel Aviv Bicycle Association" has prepared a plan for a hierarchical
network of bicycle paths consisting of paths that are entirely separated
from vehicular traffic, partially separated paths and integrated routes.
The plan is not unsimilar to previous plans outlined by the City planners.
- Recruiting public support for bicycle transportation.
- Promoting an awareness campaign for drivers and
bicycle riders.
Bicycle Associations Newsletter
The newsletter is published every few months, and includes
reports on past events and activities, along with short articles on matters
related to city bicycling.
The newsletter is produced in cooperation with the other Bicycle Associations (Jerusalem, Haifa...)
and is mailed free of charge to the members' homes.