Cities100: Buenos Aires - Improving Safety for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Increasing sidewalk space and building networks of bicycle lanes have put Buenos Aires on the map as the most bicycle and pedestrian-friendly city in Argentina.

The Challenge

Facing a number of issues linked to increasing numbers of vehicles and traffic congestion, such as a lack of safety for cyclists and pedestrians and worsening air pollution, Buenos Aires introduced the Healthy Mobility project. The project promotes mobility in the city by making streets safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Solution

Under the Healthy Mobility project, Buenos Aires became the first city in Argentina to implement a program focused on increasing the number of pedestrians and cyclists and limiting the number of cars on the road. The project represents a paradigm shift, as the city now puts people before cars, promoting cycling and walking and aiming to reduce the use of cars.

To boost the number of trips made on foot, the city has reclaimed 7,735 m2 to widen sidewalks and redesign intersections to reduce vehicle speed and make crossings safer. A network of on-street protected bike lanes was built and includes 140 km of bi-directional lanes separated by a physical cord from cars for increased protection. The bike lanes are expected to increase by 30.5 km per year. In addition, Buenos Aires also introduced a bike-sharing system to further encourage citizens to choose this sustainable and healthier transportation option.

Environmental Benefits – The Healthy Mobility project results in a cleaner environment, as each passenger traveling by car emits 152 grams of CO2 per km, while cycling and walking are emissions free.

Social Benefits – The city is planning to cover 160 more areas with pedestrian-friendly interventions, mainly including areas vulnerable to high-traffic flows, such as schools and hospitals, improving safety for 400,000 people.

Economic Benefits – The interventions are beneficial for businesses that have installed tables and chairs on the reclaimed pedestrian areas, and reorganized bus stops have increased revenue during peak hours.

Health Benefits – Before the project, just 0.4% of all trips in Buenos Aires were made by bicycle. Today, 3.5% of trips are made by bike, with the goal of reaching 5% by the end of 2015, significantly increasing citizens’ health.

About Cities100

Presented by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Sustainia and Realdania – Cities100 showcases leading solutions to urban climate challenges in ten sectors, ranging from solid waste management to transportation.

Available online and in print, Cities100 provides stakeholders an accessible format to explore achievable solutions for climate action in cities, and will be a useful tool for relevant groups ranging from impact investors and development organizations, to mayors and city governments.  You can access the full Cities100 2015 publication online here.