Cycling in Tampere: Infrastructural constraints and potential health economic benefits

Abstract

Recently, cities have expanded their cycling infrastructure, resources, and research to support their commitment to Sustainable Development Goals. Cycling is recognised as a sustainable mobility option with benefits such as increased physical activity, longer life expectancy, zero emissions, and economic gains from a healthier workforce. Tampere's sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP) aims to increase cycling's modal share from 11% in 2021 to 15% by 2030. This study employs spatial and quantitative analyses using QGIS and the WHO’s HEAT tool for walking and cycling to identify infrastructural constraints and potential benefits of achieving this target. Spatial analysis examines density and mismatch on 1 km × 1 km grids by calculating cycling route and traffic densities within each cell and comparing these values to identify mismatches. The HEAT analysis assesses the impacts related to physical activity and air pollution, estimating the economic advantages. Results reveal that Tampere’s cycling infrastructure is unevenly distributed, with higher route density in central areas and less in peripheral zones. Cycling activity is focused along certain corridors, and mismatch analysis highlights locations where demand is not fully supported by infrastructure capacity. HEAT results suggest that increased cycling could bring significant health and economic benefits, especially through reduced premature mortality. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of addressing spatial disparities in cycling infrastructure to support increased cycling levels and realise associated health and societal benefits.