Analysis of an infrastructural intervention to encourage cycling in Reykjavik

With Italy's long history of city planning and infrastructure, and Bologna being a commune since 1116, Iceland didn't have an official urban development until the end of the 19th century. Reykjavik, being a young city, has developed to become a rural environment, compared to the old city center of Bologna being urban. While both cities have different characteristics, and climate, their goals are similar. Sustainable public transport is the main objective that these cities have concluded to be the key in decreasing private car use by 20-25%, however, are these aims realistic? Are the current public transportation services in Bologna and Reykjavík capable of achieving these targets? Bicycles, BRT and trams, are these sufficient alternatives when it comes to replacing the private car? Do they supply the necessary services needed to meet these goals? Is a cycling city the way to proceed? Reykjavík has the goal of becoming a cycling city, that is why one project, among many, aims to connect the neighbourhoods, Grafarholt and Ártún, by setting up a cycling path. The area between these neighbourhoods, Dragháls and Krókháls, is currently a commercial- and industrial area that is considered fraught with danger for cyclists. That is why it is important to do analyses such as capacity analysis and accident analysis. Because of the characteristics of the area, the project required coming up with various design solutions, their pros and cons along with the cost and quantity estimation. Ultimately coming up with a conclusion on which bicycle path is the best solution for the area.