RETHINKING THE USE OF SOFT MODES - BICYCLES: TOWARDS ENSURING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION

The modem societies claim on being safer, more sustainable and with more inclusive mobility policies, towards assuring the world sustainable standards. One of the key future mobility factors is focused on the usage of the soft modes, emphasizing the use of bicycles. This mean of transport needs to be permanently implemented worldwide, supported by policies that can unify user's, planners, public and private companies, academics and politicians. Therefore, it is crucial to understanding the user's motivations to adopt the bicycle as a mean of transport instead of the motorized vehicle solutions. With the aim of understanding the user's characteristics, needs and expectations regarding the use of bicycle, as well as to point out innovative initiatives and the role of bicycles in cities' planning, some European examples were analyzed and described as state-of-the-art practices. Such examples allow us to consider and propose a set of adjustments and future recommendations to strengthen the bicycle option as an effective mass mobility mean.