Urban Transport in the OIC Megacities
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• Most land beyond already built up areas is off limits for new development
• Most new development occurs adjacent to already built up areas, which keeps overall population high
 Transport and land use planning are integrated at several levels of government, with regional
coordination that fosters cooperation between adjacent communities
 Many local governments specifically require cycling and walking facilities for new suburban
developments, thus reducing the need for car use
 Mixed use zoning keeps trip distances short and feasible by bicycle and on foot
 Limited separation of land uses, thus enabling natural development of mixed use neighbourhoods
Source: Pucher and Buehler, 2008
Comparison with other cities: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Despite the cultural norms that widely favour motorized vehicles and their drivers, cycling has been
steadily gaining popularity since the 1990s in Rio de Janeiro. Cycling is considered healthy, matches
Brazilians’ widespread preoccupation with the body and is being referred to as something genuinely
‘carioca’ (part of Rio de Janeiro). Rio has 300 kilometres of physically segregated cycle paths
(ciclovias), painted lanes (ciclofaixas) and signalized shared routes (either with traffic or pedestrians).
Civil society organizations and NGOs are closely working with local planning authorities in order to
strengthen the voice of local people, enhance dialogue between all parts and give continuity to bicycle
related projects in case local administration changes after elections (Aichinger and Reinbacher, 2010).
BikeRio, the city’s bike sharing programme is one of the most successful bike sharing systems in the
world in terms of penetration and infrastructure usage (ranked 7th in 2013). BikeRio has been
operational since 2011 and averages 6.9 trips per bike and 44.2 trips per 1,000 residents daily. The
system is operated privately by Sertell but is overseen by the city office that defines concessions in the
mayor’s cabinet and by the secretary of the environment (known as SMAC). BikeRio’s stations are
powered entirely by solar energy and are completely wireless (ITDP, 2013).Rio de Janeiro gives an
encouraging example of how to preserve or expand high levels of cycling in similar places, by joining
the potential and skills of civil society organizations and municipal governments. This megacity
proves that in postcolonial societies bicycles are being redefined as symbols of postmodern resistance
and means of more efficient, egalitarian and sustainable urban mobility.