The Partnership Project as an example of the use of funds for Integrated Territorial Investments
About this good practice
The development of bicycle transport within the BFA ( Bialystok Functional Area) Partnership Project was an integral part of the implementation of low emission strategies by shaping sustainable urban mobility.
"Partnership project: Development of low emission public transport and cycling in BFA" was implemented and financed within the framework of Integrated Territorial Investments included in the Regional Operational Programme of the Podlaskie Voivodeship for 2014 – 2020.
The project was co-financed by the ERDF and aimed to increase the share of low-emission public transport and to increase the mobility of BFA residents by developing bicycle transport and creating conditions for complementarity between the various modes of transport.
The implementation contributed to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and had a positive impact on improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of BFA.
The co-operation enabled the creation of cycle paths with a total length of 48.27 km, which started the process of creating a coherent cycling network throughout the area. New bikeways in Bialystok have gained energy-efficient lighting. In the communes covered by the project, a total of 140 bicycle parking spaces were created, allowing people to leave their bikes and change to other available means of transport. Thanks to the implementation of the project, traffic congestion in the centre of the functional area - the city of Bialystok - was reduced.
Expert opinion
This good practice deserves to be called truly inspiring for serveral reasons.
On a governance level, it shows how to cooperate and jointly plan and implement sustainable mobility measures amongst a larger city and its surrounding smaller municipalities. This allows the measures to spread beyond administrative borders and reduces the barriers for small municipalities to take action on thier own.
On a programming level, it's a great use of the not yet so widely familiar ITI that allows for the pooling of different measures into one project and to use financing from different pots for it.
On the thematic level, the practice is fully in line with the recommendations on cycling network design that calls for a coherent network covering the functional area and paying particular attention to inter-connection with public transport through parking facilities. it also respects the need for safety through energy efficiency lighting along the paths.
Overall, a great learning example that shows how regional funds can be used to support cycling in public transport for the benefit of shifting the traffic away from the car in a given area.
It is of particular interest to areas with a multi-city SECAP that have already the cooperation in place.
Resources needed
The total value of the project was EUR 37,550,813.75.
The value of the cycling investments amounted to EUR 11 510 171.96, with EU funding of EUR 7 196 176.60.
Each of the participating communes appointed one person to work in the project steering group.
Evidence of success
● Construction of a total of 48.27 km of cycle paths in the city of Białystok and 7 neighbouring communes.
● 140 bicycle parking spaces in constructed "Bike&Ride" facilities.
● Energy-efficient lighting along the new cycle routes in Białystok.
● Beginning of the process of creating a coherent cycling network.
● Improved traffic flow and safety.
● Increase in the mobility of residents.
● Increase in the share of non-motorised transport in serving the BFA.
Potential for learning or transfer
● Use of funds and development of cooperation in the framework of Integrated Territorial Investments.
● Cooperation of the city of Białystok with 8 communes and County Office leading to a common goal.
● Investments started under this project are continued by municipalities using other funds.
● Construction of 140 Bike&Ride facilities for secure bicycle parking.
● Building new cycling routes so that they connect or have the potential to connect with others in the future to create a shared cycling network.
● Installation of energy-efficient lighting along newly constructed cycling routes in the city of Bialystok.
● The location of new cycling routes makes it possible to reach railway and bus stops from more distant parts of municipalities or towns by bicycle.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Association of Bialystok Functional Area