Altai State University students implemented a social project aimed at developing the cycling infrastructure of Barnaul

As part of the project “The needs of the population of the city of Barnaul for the creation of bicycle infrastructure,” implemented by order of the Environmental Protection Department of the Administration of the regional center, a sociological survey of city residents was conducted on the corresponding topic. The project, aimed at developing an active environmental policy in the capital of Altai Krai, became the final qualifying work of sociology students Anastasia Kenyakina, Maria Danilova and Yulia Borovinskaya.

The topic of the need to form a cycling infrastructure in the city has been brewing for a long time; newspapers have repeatedly reported about it, but from a sociological point of view no one has yet addressed it.

Thus, young sociologists from Altai State University found out that there are plenty of lovers of two-wheeled transport in the city. An initiative group has even been created, whose members claim that bicycles are an excellent alternative to cars. With the proper infrastructure, you can use it to get to work, go for a ride with friends, and generally drive where no car can go. Holland, with its countless bike racks, is an example of this.

– The study was conducted in two stages. The first was a focus group of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists who discussed the problems and prospects of alternative transport in Barnaul. The second was a survey, with 675 Barnaul residents being interviewed. What can we say? People are ready to invest in improving their local area; they need bike paths and parking. But as far as logistics, engineering solutions and other things are concerned, this cannot be done without the support of the city,” says one of the authors of the work, Anastasia Kenyakina.

The survey showed that the lower the income, the higher the desire to switch to a bicycle. Another “find” is the elder generation loves bicycles like no other. And yet, the majority of respondents prefer a car to a bicycle. According to respondents, traveling by car is much faster and more comfortable. Anastasia herself has been riding a bicycle since childhood.

– I am sure: as soon as bicycle parking and bicycle paths appear en masse in our city, people will start riding bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades. The same parks can be suitably equipped for cycling! Given the will,” notes Anastasia.

To implement the project, according to young researchers at Altai State University, it is necessary to take two steps. First, launch a social campaign in the spirit of “Why cycling is cool.” Secondly, to create a comprehensive project for the development of Barnaul, which would involve engineers, architects, and everyone else who would help to competently design bicycle routes. Now, according to Anastasia, at best there are several bike paths in the city – and they lead to the first dead end.

– Since the improvement of urban space is a social task, the project requires good financial support. I can’t say anything more about financing; I didn’t go into economic calculations. I had another task: to find out whether Barnaul residents really need cycling infrastructure? It turned out that it was necessary, and how!” summed up the Altai State University graduate.

In a word, what the graduate students of Altai State University did was not just a thesis, but a social project that has practical value.