Assessing the significance of dedicated bike lanes for sustainable mobility in the Jemo-Mebrat Haile corridor in Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study assesses the contribution of dedicated bike lanes to sustainable mobility within the Jemo-Mebrat Haile corridor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, necessitated by rapid urbanization and increasing traffic congestion. Utilized a mixed-methods approach, the research employed a purposive sampling method to survey 60 active cyclists using the corridor's bike lanes, with inclusion criteria focused on regular users. Key findings indicate that bike lanes significantly improve cycling accessibility, yet perceived safety remains a critical concern (2.8/5) due to inadequate enforcement and obstructions, acting as the strongest predictor of usage. The study also highlights gender disparities in safety perception and reveals that utilitarian motives like health/exercise (50%) and commuting (35%) are the primary drivers for bike lane use, rather than environmental concerns, alongside a critical need for infrastructure upgrades, policy enforcement, and network expansion. In conclusion, while the bike lanes are a foundational step towards sustainable mobility, their full potential is hindered by issues of safety, enforcement, and integration, leading to recommendations for strategic investments in physical barriers, enhanced policy enforcement, inclusive design, and integrated urban planning to maximize their effectiveness and sustainability in Addis Ababa and similar African urban contexts.
Keywords: Urban cycling infrastructure, bike lane effectiveness, sustainable transportation, Addis Ababa, transport policy, active mobility