Do new bike lanes help to reach public transport?

The length in kilometers matters less than the continuity of the network and the secure connection with stations, terminals and everyday destinations.

The announced plan

In 2026, City Hall opened new segments in Tijuca, Botafogo, and along the Glória–Cinelândia corridor as part of a goal to add 50 kilometers to the network by 2028. The announcement says the plan aims to connect neighborhoods, public facilities, and public transport systems.

The goal provides a verifiable starting point, but each section needs to be tracked through the design, implementation, completion, and use phase.

What makes a connection work

The cycle path must reach the terminal without forcing the cyclist to fight for the final meters on a hostile road. It is necessary to provide crossings, signage, lighting, parking and, when possible, integration with shared bicycles.

  • Continuity between origin, station and destination.
  • Safe access at intersections and terminal entrances.
  • Cycle racks or bicycle racks with adequate capacity and supervision.
  • Compatibility with transport opening hours.
  • Information about routes and connections.

How to evaluate the result

In addition to measuring kilometers delivered, people who arrive at stations by bicycle, changes in access radius, accidents, use by gender and time of day and reduction in door-to-door time must be counted.

A two-kilometer bike path that closes a gap between a neighborhood and the subway can generate more access than a longer disconnected section. The map needs to show network and function, not just extent.

Transparency

Sources consulted

Links verified on August 12, 2026. Official documents and pages may be updated after this date.

  1. Expansão da malha cicloviária até 2028 CET-Rio
  2. Advances and pitfalls in measuring transportation equity Projeto Acesso a Oportunidades / Ipea

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