Have you experienced your favorite shortcut disappearing in winter or melting away in spring?
For Bærum municipality, the combination of expected population growth and the goal of zero growth in passenger transport puts great pressure on reducing emissions and car use. The municipality wants to facilitate increased use of cycling, walking and public transport. As part of this, the municipality has started work on shortcuts.
Shortcuts are a natural part of every place where people live. They occur where the existing network of footpaths and cycle paths does not meet residents' transportation needs. Because shortcuts occur by themselves, they are not part of the municipality's planning system, and therefore there are no formal procedures for operation and maintenance. This can lead to reduced accessibility, especially in winter. Bærum municipality wants to do something about this!
In the project, together with Rambøll and the project team, we have tested various methods for mapping needs and developing measures related to shortcuts in the Bekkestua, Eiksmarka and Rykkinn areas. We have supported the municipality in working closely with residents in different life situations and life stages. The project provided insight into how the population from children to pensioners use the municipality's unofficial shortcuts, and what improvements are relevant for different travelers.
"I broke my foot on a shortcut last fall because it was dark and I couldn't see where I was stepping" - School student
The experience from the various activities and the knowledge gained in the project has given the municipality tools to map the use of shortcuts, develop concepts and measures together with residents and volunteers. The municipality has a better overview of which departments are responsible for various measures related to improvements. The work has resulted in a first version of Bærum's standard for shortcuts.
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The shortcut model describes how to gather knowledge about the use of shortcuts, how to prioritize and allocate responsibility for various measures, and what should be added to the zoning plan. The project group has actively participated in all the activities, so that they can continue the work in several places in the municipality.To communicate the shortcuts externally, we have developed a design manual for shortcut maps. The map allows local residents to discover new shortcuts, while also informing visitors about the location of the shortcut.
By using methods from service design, the municipality has experienced how effective it is to work closely with residents, charities and volunteers. There have been several "aha" moments when comparing the map basis with the actual paths we became familiar with through the process.
By using methods from service design, the municipality has experienced how effective it is to work closely with residents, charities and volunteers. There have been several "aha" moments when comparing the map basis with the actual paths we became familiar with through the process.
