Bicycles are an environmentally friendly means of transport. They have many other advantages, as bikes provide mobility for everyone regardless of age and income and contribute to one’s health. Unlike cars, they are not noisy and do not require much space for their operation or parking.
In Kazakhstan, the bicycle is not yet so popular. The necessary infrastructure in Karaganda is still developing very slowly. The first few kilometers of bicycle lanes appeared in the city only in 2015. Today, more than fifteen bicycle parking lots are installed in Karaganda, about ten bicycle repair points are in operation, and bicycle lanes are arranged in Central Park and the Park of Maikuduk.
Despite the fact that the bicycle season in Karaganda is very short, the popularity of bicycles has increased significantly in recent years. More and more often, you can see whole families out riding bicycles. As soon as the snow melts, children get to school by bike. Many people use bicycles to get around the city every day.
Better bicycle infrastructure, better air quality
Developing bicycle infrastructure in Karaganda is a way to improve air quality. According to Kazgidromet, for the last five years, Karaganda has been one of the five Kazakhstani cities with consistently high levels of air pollution. Why? Amongst other causes, 150,000 cars are operated in the city and produce many emissions.
What can we do to make Karaganda a bicycle-friendly city? Creating a convenient and safe bicycle infrastructure is necessary to connect all districts to the city center. The municipal authorities should also develop a special city strategy and include measures for the development of cycling in already existing environmental documents. For example, the Karaganda Region Environmental Action Plan.
We invite all citizens of Karaganda to participate in developing the Karaganda bicycle concept. Take part in the survey and write us your suggestions on where bicycle lanes and parking lots are needed in Karaganda.
Your suggestions will help the experts to develop a sufficient bicycle infrastructure development plan for the Karaganda city council (Akimat).
You can send your proposals by March 31 via THIS FORM.
