PROPOSAL FOR BICYCLE-BUS-PEDESTRIAN INTEGRATION IN MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES OF ECUADOR: THE CASE OF RIOBAMBA

Abstract

Intermediate cities in Latin America face increasing urban mobility challenges due to growing motorization and low modal integration. While large Ecuadorian cities like Quito have promoted active mobility, smaller cities such as Riobamba still exhibit significant connectivity gaps. Integrated mobility—combining bicycles, bus transit and walking—aims to improve accessibility, efficiency, equity and public health. This paper presents a proposal for bicycle–bus–pedestrian integration in Riobamba, drawing on national and international experiences. Relevant cases (e.g., the Dutch OV-Fiets bike-sharing at train stations, bicycle–metro integration in Suzhou, China, studies in Fortaleza, Brazil, Santiago, Chile, and systematic reviews) highlight key factors: quality of cycling infrastructure, availability of public bikes, and institutional coordination. Using these lessons and local data (INEC, Riobamba Mobility Plan), we propose improvements in infrastructure (protected bike lanes, safe sidewalks), operations (integrated fares, bike parking at bus stops, driver training) and public policy (urban mobility observatory, road safety campaigns). With these measures, bicycle mode share could rise from ~3% to 10–12%, and bike–bus multimodal trips would increase. Expected benefits include environmental gains (≈8% CO₂ reduction), social equity (improved access for vulnerable groups), health (more physical activity), economic savings (lower travel and infrastructure costs) and traffic safety (fewer accidents). International evidence suggests that, with careful implementation and stakeholder cooperation, these outcomes are achievable. Keywords: Active mobility; Bicycle; Intermediate cities; Public transport; Sustainable mobility; Urban mobility.