Assimilating Cycle Park as a Part of Urban Living
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021-4287-AJA
1 Assimilating Cycle Park as a Part of Urban Living
2
3 Cycling has a century-old history. Originated as the cheapest and practical
4 mode of transportation, the evolution and modernity of cycles have led to
5 become cycling a popular adventure sport. While the first cycling race was
6 held in 1868, this sport has evolved to various dimensions as a result of
7 innovation and growing interest in sports. This study documents the
8 evolution of cycling from being a mode of transport to recreation to
9 adventure sport, as practised in recent times. With the help of a relevant
10 literature review, this study proposes a cycle park in Bengaluru. Bengaluru
11 has observed a growing craze of cycling as a sport, over the past decade.
12 Statistical data from cycle dealers and manufacturers reveals these growing
13 trends. In support of the decision from the Forest Department of Bengaluru
14 to allow cycling in Turrahalli forest, this paper proposes a cycle park
15 adjacent to peripheral ring road amidst Turrahalli forest. The design aims to
16 serve amateurs, professionals, and cyclists of all ages, giving them a safe
17 and natural environment. With the implementation of such a proposal, the
18 authors hope to encourage cyclists and city dwellers to take up cycling on
19 regular basis, in response to the deteriorating global health.
20
21 Keywords: cycling, adventure sport, cycle park, Bengaluru, design
22 proposal,
23
24
25 Introduction
26
27 Background
28
29 After the first world war and the late 1950s, cycling was ubiquitous on
30 streets and public roads all over the world. Later, cycling was replaced by
31 motor vehicles, and cycling headed towards an all-time low demand (Spinney
32 2007). However, in the 1970s, the health, environmental and economic benefits
33 of cycling were highlighted by activists, politicians, and later by policymakers,
34 activists, urban planners, and public health experts (Civitas 2013) (Oosterhuis
35 2016). Early on cycles were advocated as a practical and cheaper alternative
36 for a horse, and for this reason, they were introduced in postal and wire
37 services, police and fire departments, and even in the army. The use of motor
38 vehicles, being an expensive means, was mainly for recreation (for example,
39 touring the countryside and enjoying nature) for the wealthier class. In terms of
40 contributing to urban planning, cycle tourism enhanced rural modernization
41 because it encouraged infrastructural improvements along popular routes and
42 the spread of facilities such as cafes, restaurants, parks, information booths,
43 and repair shops. The image and engineering of cycling were essentially linked
44 to competitive racing, in support of the enthusiasm from spectacles. The
45 challenges of speed, thrill, performance, time, and distance records made it
46 more exciting for the audiences. The first long-distance race was staged in
47 France, in the late 1860s, shortly after the launch of the velocipede. Cycle
1
2021-4287-AJA
1 racing, on indoor and outdoor tracks, was the first commercialized and media-
2 covered mass spectator sport (Ritchie 1999) (Butler 2019).
3
4 Figure 1. "Bicyclists' group on Minerva Terrace, U.S. Army on October 7,
5 1896
6
7 Source: (Ruggiero 2016).
8
9 Urban Planning
10
11 As our cities are getting more aware, people have started to recognize the
12 benefits of active living, sport, and physical activity. The physical and mental
13 health benefits of living an active life and a healthier lifestyle are not unknown.
14 Although cities across Europe have integrated local plans for active living with
15 a broader planning process, many developing countries, such as India, are still
16 working their way to make the urban planning process holistic (Edwards and
17 Tsouros 2008). Out of the many forms of physical activity that urban planning
18 of the city can offer to its people, this study emphasizes the importance of
19 cycling as a sport. Sports can offer multiple solutions to our cities, such as,
20 generating thrust for more green spaces, social inclusion, better sports
21 facilities, and building more equal societies and, eventually contribute to the
22 goal of making our cities more sustainable and resilient (Olympic Studies
23 Centre 2020). At the end of the 20th century, cities looked upon sport as a
24 catalyst to generate an economy. Only industrialized cities invested in sports
25 infrastructure, intending to create more job opportunities and attract tourism.
26 This did not particularly include the local communities. However, since the last
27 two decades, policymakers and planners have become more sensitive towards
28 locals and have created a new image and new opportunities to justify
29 investments in sports infrastructures (Gratton, Shibli and Coleman 2005).
30
31 Contextual Background
32
33 In the past, India has hosted many national and international tournaments
34 and games, such as the Asian Games. Bangalore, one of the fastest
35 metropolitan cities in India, hosted the Indian National games in 1997
2
2021-4287-AJA
1 (Heitzman 1999) and National Youth Games in 2008 (Hindustan Times 2008).
2 Bangalore has regularly been a host of International Premier League (IPL)
3 cricket for the past decade. It is evident, that Bangalore’s residents have shown
4 a growing interest in sports. Sports clubs, health centres, gyms, arenas, and
5 stadiums have made a significant contribution to the urban fabric and lifestyles
6 of people.
7
8 Cycling
9
10 One such popular, most sustainable interest among Bangalore’s residents
11 is cycling. Cycling serves as the cleanest mode of mobility. It is zero
12 dependence on fossil fuels and zero-emission characteristics, which not only
13 makes it affordable but also positively contributes to deteriorating climate.
14 After the IT boom in 2000, there has been an average increase in income levels
15 of the working class in Bangalore. With massive populations migrating from
16 all over the globe, the traditional lifestyles have now become more dynamic.
17 There are more than 20 active cycling groups in Bangalore, out of which at
18 least 5 have more than 3000 members (M. 2020). Especially, after the onset of
19 COVID 19, more people have taken up cycling as a mode of primary physical
20 activity. After the first lockdown of COVID 19, wholesalers of cycle shops
21 reported a 30% hike in their sales, and owners of cycle repair shops reported 20
22 to 30% increases in their customers (Mounika 2020). In response to this, the
23 comprehensive mobility plan of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palika (BBMP),
24 announced the development of 600 kilometres of cycle tracks in the next 10
25 years around the city (Dev 2021). A report by Dutch social enterprise reports a
26 50% increase in the use of cycles in Bengaluru. Out of which, rides for
27 recreation exceed the number of rides for commute and daily users (Cycle To
28 Work 2020). From the available data, it can be said that residents of Bengaluru
29 prefer to cycle more for recreation than for work.
30
31 Figure 2. Bike ridership in Bangalore from January 2017 till February 2021
32
33 Source: (Cycle To Work 2020)
3
2021-4287-AJA
1 Design Statement
2
3 Cycle manufacturers, newspapers, sports communities, local, national, and
4 international organizations sponsor cycle races to promote the sport and
5 diversify economies. Cycling has transformed from a mode of transportation to
6 sports meeting the aspirations of the different populations (Oosterhuis 2016).
7 To serve such aspiration of Bengaluru citizens, this study proposes of its kind a
8 cycling park in Bengaluru, where enthusiasts of all levels can come and
9 practice and/ or learn. The design aims to provide a safe, approachable,
10 affordable, amid nature and an equal atmosphere to all cyclists. This
11 architectural project intends to bring out pure structural efforts without artifice
12 and enhance the selected site. By creating a dialogue between the existing
13 urban fabric and the proposed curved geometry, the design aims to display an
14 example of architectural integrity. The design follows global standards
15 employing reviewing case studies around the world.
16
17
18 Context
19
20 Location
21
22 Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka State, is not only the fastest-
23 growing city in terms of population and area but also is one of the (fourth)
24 largest metropolitan hubs in India. The physical growth of the city occurred in
25 four phases: first, (in 1951 – 61) growth of public sector undertaking creating
26 jobs for millions, second (1960 – 70) growth of industries and state-run
27 businesses, third (the 1980s) dramatic growth of the private sector and fourth
28 (1990s) the offshoot growth from establishing IT industry. Only from 1991 –
29 2001, the area of Bengaluru expanded 92.1% and the population grew by
30 37.8% (Varkey 2018) (Puttalingaiah, Irfan and Hanjagi 2020). With this huge
31 number of people migrating to the city, the built environment is largely driven
32 by market interests, not by communities, resulting in a diverse cultural system.
33 The lifestyles of people vary due to the influence of distinctive cultures they
34 bring in, individual’s financial capacities, and the localities they reside in.
35
36 Figure 3. Location of Bangalore
37
38 Source: Authors.
4
2021-4287-AJA
1 Climate and Geography
2
3 Lying in the Southern part of the Indian sub-continent, Bengaluru hails at
4 3,113 feet above sea level. The topography makes the climate pleasant
5 throughout the year. However, for the past 5 years, Bengaluru is experiencing
6 summer heats up to 40 degrees Celsius, owing to massive deforestation.
7 Bengaluru enjoys 970 mm rainfall on an average annually (Bengaluru Online
8 2021). The strategy used for urban planning is orbital development, marked by
9 ring roads. This type of development allows urban centres to decentralize
10 accommodating growth with the addition of each ring road.
11
12 Figure 4. Orbital development, marked by ring roads
13
14 Source: Authors.
15
16 Demographics and Diversity
17
18 According to the latest census (2011 – 2021) report, the population growth
19 is consistent with an average of 3.5% annually (Census 2011 2021). The native
20 language of Bengaluru, Kannada, is now spoken by only 38% population,
21 which is the result of mixed culture migration. The population density has also
22 increased by 47% in the past decade (4000 per square kilometre) (World
23 Population Review 2021).
24
25 Why are People in Bengaluru Interested in Cycling?
26
27 With a dramatic increase in population number and diversity, Bengaluru has
28 found a common sport - cycling, famed by their cycling communities. The
5
2021-4287-AJA
1 active cyclist groups in Bengaluru conduct cycling trips throughout the year.
2 Nandi Hills ride, Manchanabele dam, Banyan tree ride, Pipeline ride, back to
3 university ride, and Neelamangala ride are some of the popular cycling trails,
4 visited by cyclists on daily basis (Bangalore Cycling Routes 2021).
5
6 Figure 5. Map of popular cycling trails
7
8 Source: Authors.
9
10 The evidence of active groups of cyclists from social media channels and
11 pages is proof that if given better facilities, people will be more than willing to
12 make use of it. During an informal interview, active cyclist reported about their
13 growing interest in cycling is due to the following reasons:
14
15 No formal training is required for beginners
16 All members of the family (or community) can participate and cycle
17 together
18 The occurrence of long-term injuries and major accidents is relatively
19 less
20 The cost of cycling varies based on the level of expertise. Hence, the
21 beginners find it affordable, to begin with.
22 One doesn’t need a dedicated playground or space to cycle.
23
24 In the past (the 1860s and 1870s), when cyclists were replaced by motor
25 vehicle drivers on the road, many motivated cyclists and/ or activists made an
26 effort to revive cycling as a mode of transport. The ‘velocipede mania’ in the
6
2021-4287-AJA
1 1860s, followed by ‘cycle boom’ or ‘craze’ in the 1890s, in many parts of the
2 west is a piece of evidence that cycling as a mode of transportation has
3 degraded and again revived over centuries (Toohey 2010).
4
5 Government’s Involvement
6
7 In 2014, the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) promoted the
8 “cycle day” campaign once a month, to encourage cycling as a mode of
9 mobility. Community partners and NGOs participated from different
10 neighbourhoods of Bengaluru to carry this campaign (Government of
11 Karnataka 2014). In 2006 - 07, the government of Karnataka invested Rs. 200
12 crores to give away free cycles to children aged above 13. In 2020, DULT
13 submitted a 34 kilometres cycle lane project to BBMP (now under
14 construction) on the outer ring road, which would give dedicated lanes for
15 cyclists (Malagi 2020). Also in 2020, DULT received suggestions of cycling
16 routes, for development, from 109 active cyclists. DULT further developed
17 these suggestions and with the help of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) of various
18 municipalities in Bengaluru. As a result, the “Cycle District” project is now
19 integrated with the “Bengaluru smart city mission”. Under this project, the
20 government aims to develop dedicated cycle lanes around the city at various
21 locations (R. 2020).
22
23
24 Literature Review
25
26 “Cycling occupies a somewhat unusual position among sports. It is an old sport,
27 originating at the moment of the birth of the modern bicycle in the late 1860s; it is
28 an extraordinarily well-documented sport; it is even a sport about which [much has]
29 been written through the years – and yet...it is not a sport that has been well
30 explored from a critical and academic point of view”. - Andrew Ritchie
31
32 Standards
33
34 The proposed design examines standards and architectural details accepted
35 and adopted globally. The inspiration of the structure of the cycle park is
36 adopted from the Olympics Games, the velodrome geometry. The velodrome’s
37 history dates back to the 19th century when Preston Park, Brighton in England
38 constructed the first cycle track taking on velodrome structure (Nystrom 2020).
39 Of course, the tracks did not display tuned 180 degrees and straight ways until
40 1896, when the Olympics spared the need to construct a consistent velodrome.
41 Since then, velodromes have been modified in terms of the quality of tracks
42 and sizes. Various sports companies have constructed velodromes for countries
43 to host cycling races and/ or events.
44
45
7
2021-4287-AJA
1 Evolution of C ycle
2
3 In the past, cycling tracks were constructed to serve the safety and
4 convenience of cyclists. However, given cycling as a sport, advanced tracks
5 with scientific knowledge on the physics of cycling are a must to understand.
6 Attempts to promote cycling as a daily sport are initiated by governments
7 across the world. For example, the world’s longest continuous cycle track (20.4
8 miles) was achieved by the public works authority in Qatar in the middle east
9 (Kaddoura 2020). This sport requires stamina, perseverance, self-reliance, core
10 strength, balance, and bike handling skills and has inspired many people in
11 India as well. As discussed earlier, the history of the cycle dates back to the
12 late 18th century. The below table depicts a brief history of the evolution of the
13 cycle.
14
15 Table 1. Evolution of cycle
Year Event
1790 Celerifere – was invented by Comte Mede
de Sivrac. The features include two equal-
sized wheels and a seat, but no steering,
brakes, or pedals. The rider glides on the
celerifere after gaining speed using their
feet.
1817 Steerable Laufmaschine – also known as
the running machine, velocipede, Draisine,
and the swift-walker. Following the two-
wheeler principle, the wooden steerable
Laufmaschine has a steerable front wheel.
1858 Pedals – The steerable laufmaschine has
pedals added to it.
1863 Boneshaker – Blacksmith Ernest Michaux
invents the first commercially successful
velocipede in 1863, which is now called the
boneshaker. The boneshaker was made of
stiff materials and straight angles which
made it a “boneshaker” to ride on over
common cobblestone roads.
1866 Penny Farthing – British engineer, James
Starley invents the penny-farthing which is
commonly known as the high wheeler. The
penny-farthing looks pretty silly compared
to modern bicycles, and it was pretty
difficult to ride. This difficulty limited the
popularity of the high wheeler.
8
2021-4287-AJA
1876 Caliper Brakes – English inventors
Browett and Harrison patent an early
version of the calliper brake.
1879 Bicyclette – After many attempts for
lever-driven models, Henry J. Lawson
patented the first rear-wheel, chain-driven
safety bicycle.
1885 Rover Safety Bicycle – The first model to
look like what we now think of as a standard
cycle. This model combines a low seat,
strong metal for a chain, and two wheels
that are similar in size.
1889 The Pedal-Back Brake – These brakes
were patented by Daniel-Stover and William
Hance, which later become a standard
feature on bicycles.
1896 Coaster Brakes– These brakes allow the
bike to move forward without requiring the
pedals to move and the rider can brake by
pedalling backwards. These brakes continue
to be popular in some areas to this day.
1898 Pedal-Powered Battery Regenerator – This
is a peculiar design in which the pedals spin
a generator, which in turn drives a small
motor. Known for being the first electric
velocipede.
1938 Electric Hub Motor – Thomas M.
McDonald files a patent for an electric hub
motor. This may be the earliest of its kind
for a front-wheel-mounted version. The
patent filing details this bicycle aims to
allow the bicycle to be operated by only
power, with the option of pedals.
1979 Mountain Bike – Californian Joe Breeze is
credited for creating the mountain bike. The
prototypes for these are developed by many
early designers including Joe Breeze, Otis
Guy, Gary Fisher, and Craig Mitchell. These
are the first tough frames built for downhill
racing.
9
2021-4287-AJA
1984 Cogs – It becomes popular for cogs to be
added to the rear gear cluster, increasing the
number of speeds from 15 to 18, 21, and 24.
2002 10-Cog Rear Cluster – Italian bicycle
component manufacturer Campagnolo
develops a 10-cog rear cluster, allowing for
30-speed bicycles.
2009 Electronic Gears – International
manufacturer Shimano develops electronic
gears that allow for faster shifting.
2012 ADAPTRAC – names after the inventor, a
system allowing the rider to individually
adjust tire pressure while riding. Through a
system of carbon dioxide cartridges, allows
riders to maintain optimum traction when
riding in changing conditions.
2014 Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide
Batteries – Otherwise known as NMC
batteries, this is a newer type of lithium
battery that starts becoming popular with
electric bicycles around 2013-2014. NMC
delivers higher power in a smaller package
than previous models.
1 Source: Adapted from (Evelo Electric Bicycles 2021).
2
3 Types of Cycling
4
5 Cycling as a sport is practised at various difficulty levels. These cycling
6 styles have helped popular popularizing as a sport, by making it physically and
7 mentally challenging for cyclists.
8
9 BMX – BMX is one of the most popular off-road styles, usually seen
10 and practised in the rural areas or countryside, where the cyclist would
11 naturally get undulated terrain. It originated int1970s70’s in California,
12 where one could find youngsters riding and stunting off-road. Just like
13 motorcycles. BMX cycles are sturdier in make and smaller in
14 dimension. It is made to take abuse and stunts, which would challenge
15 both, the rider and the ride. BMX cycles have frames made of steel
16 (high-tensile) and aluminium, those meant for racing. BMX cycles offer
17 various riding styles, from off-road to urban build-up spaces to ramps
18 designed in BMX parks (P. Edwards 2016).
19 Road biking – This is the most commonly performed cycling as it
20 doesn’t need a professional training. These cycles are used on a variety
21 of roads such as BMX, racing, touring, and utility. It can be used in the
102021-4287-AJA
1 velodrome as well as outdoors. The first-ever cycle race (1200 meters)
2 was held on 31st May 1868 at the Parc de Saint-Cloud, Paris, where
3 roading biking cycles were extensively used. As India is gradually
4 turning its attention to adventure sports, road biking has become very
5 popular over the past few decades.
6
7 Figure 6. BMX Stunts and Road Biking
8
9 Source: Authors.
10
11 Mountain biking – This is an extreme style, where riders build their
12 pumps and trails. Although there are no formal rules to this style,
13 trained mountain bikers are aware of the unwritten rules, such as, be
14 respectful of jumps and trails and be respectful of others. Weather and
15 terrain play an important role in performing this style and conducting
16 challenges. Dirt jumping, slopestyle, cross country, and downhill are
17 some of the categories popularly performed while mountain biking.
18
112021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 7. Mountain biking style
2
3 Source: Authors.
4
5 Freestyle – The lightest weighing cycles are made to freestyle. They
6 become popular shortly after BMX cycles and are used for flat trails,
7 vertical skates, and aggressive street riding. Considered one of the
8 safest styles, they come with multiple front and back gears.
9 Dirt jumper – These bikes bridge the gap between BMX bikes and
10 freestyles. Also known as jumpers, these cycles are designed to take
11 flight for various ages of cyclists. They usually don’t have front brakes
12 and are a great choice for heavier riders.
13
14 Case Study 1
15
16 Anna Meares Velodrome (10,000m2) was built in 2016 to serve the
17 Commonwealth games 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. The stadium can
18 accommodate 1500 spectators and can expand for 4000 more with temporary
19 seating. Several events throughout the year, such as Track National
20 Championships, Queensland National Championships, and Cycling
21 Queensland Club are hosted at Anna Meares. Cox Rayner from COX
22 Architects was the principal designer, jointly commissioned by Queensland
23 State and the Australian government. With an elliptical footprint, Anna Meares
24 Velodrome is one of the largest column-free arenas in the world. The steel roof
25 makes the structure light weighted and provides a clear roof span of 118
26 meters. The stadium is water and energy-efficient and uses full LED broadcast
27 lighting, making it one of its kind in the world (Arup 2019) (Austadiums 2021)
28 (Cycling Queensland 2021).
29
122021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 8. Anna Meares Velodrome
2
3 Source: (Jones 2018).
4
5 Figure 9. Top view plan and East Elevation of Anna Meares Velodrome
6
7
8 Source: (Archdaily 2021).
132021-4287-AJA
1 Case Study 2
2
3 Lee Valley Velopark in East London was inaugurated in February 2011.
4 The velodrome has served as permanent venues for Olympic 2012 and
5 Paralympic games. Along with racing tracks, the velodrome has one mile of
6 road tracks and 5 miles of mountain tracks. The design was publicly revealed
7 by Hopkins Architects and Grant Associates in 2008, making it the first
8 Olympic Park venue. The stadium can accommodate 6000 spectators and
9 provides for all levels of cyclists, amateurs, and champions. The design
10 focused on making it sustainable by adopting technologies like rainwater
11 harvesting, harvesting natural light, and energy saving. The velodrome was a
12 built-in way to make the London skyline beautiful, primarily using the
13 traditional western cedar redwood as construction material. The idea was to
14 avoid massive use of steel, in an attempt to not give a contemporary look
15 (Wordpress 2016) (Hopkins Architects 2021).
16
17 Figure 10. Anna Meares Velodrome
18
19 Source: (Hopkins Architects 2021).
20
21
142021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 11. Upper-tier plan and Sectional elevation of Lee Valley Velopark
2
3
4
5 Source: (Hopkins Architects 2021).
6
7 Table 2. Comparative table of case study findings
Features Anna Meares Lee Valley Proposal
Velodrome, Velopark, London
Australia
Total Area of 10,000m2 21,700 m2 11,450 m2
Velodrome
Capacity 1500 (+4000) 6750 2000
Building Type Indoor Indoor Indoor
Primary Material Concrete and Wood (western Concrete and Steel
used Steel cedar redwood)
Clear Roof Span 118 meters 136 m 125 meters
Sub-structure Concrete Concrete Concrete
Super Structure Steel Steel Concrete and Steel
The material used Steel and wood Steel and wood Steel and Wood
for tracks
The total length of 250 meters 250 meters 250 meters
the track
180 turning radius
Innovation Roof framing is The roof is The truss form
configured to allow designed to reflect which connects to
the complex the geometry of the multiple steel
hyperbolic cycling as well as support will gain
paraboloid roof to being lightweight better stability and
be formed by and efficient the orientation has
simple straight reflecting a designed on a
components. bike. There is also a contoured site.
360-degree
concourse level with
152021-4287-AJA
windows allowing
people views of the
Olympic Park.
Sustainability Energy, water- Energy, water- Better daylight and
Target Achieved efficient. Full LED efficient. Use of ventilation and no
lighting. maximum daylight. land cut in the
contours
1 Source: Authors.
2
3
4 Methodology
5
6 The motivation of designing was initiated by the author’s interest in the
7 cycle as a sport. When researched further in Bengaluru’s context, the vision
8 was set to serve a rather larger community. In this regard, understanding the
9 context became the first step of the overall design process. A thorough desktop
10 study was carried out to understand the climate, geography, demography, and
11 culture of Bengaluru. Support from municipal authorities confirmed the need
12 for such a project and led to an appropriate site selection. Secondly, the
13 literature review was conducted to identify scientific standards which would
14 make the rider’s experience safe. Case studies from over the globe guided in
15 implementing these standards into the design. The third step, which was
16 analyzing the physical and geographical conditions of the site, resulted in
17 defining the limitations of structural design. With sustainable architecture as
18 the core theme, a conceptual design was then developed disturbing as little as
19 possible, the existing greens. The final design phase included details of
20 architectural and structural design. The final design of this study is presented in
21 the form of architectural plans, sections, and three-dimensional views.
22
23 Figure 12. Design Process
24
25 Source: Authors.
162021-4287-AJA
1 Design (Findings)
2
3 Site Selection
4
5 From figure 5, it can be inferred that many existing popular trails in
6 Bengaluru are located adjacent to the new ring road, Nice road, soon to become
7 a peripheral road. The design aims to serve all ages and all professional levels
8 of cyclists. Hence, it is reasonable to choose a naturally levelled landscape
9 between nature to give the cyclists a real experience. The selected site is
10 located adjacent to Nice road, marked for “park or open space” by Bengaluru
11 Land use development authority. Lying adjacent to the ring road, not only
12 makes the site accessible but also makes the cyclist near to nature as it is
13 surrounded by Turahalli forest’s deciduous trees. The Turahalli forest
14 department currently allows enthusiasts and cyclists to practice and ride, which
15 makes it rational to develop a cycle park there. As the site is adjacent to ring
16 road and the nearest bus stop is 500 meters away, it can be easily accessible by
17 road.
18
19 Figure 13. Site location on Bengaluru map
20
21 Source: Authors.
22
23
172021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 14. Site location
2
3 Source: Authors.
4
5 Site Analysis
6
7 The design is developed along the contours of the site, which assists to
8 give natural tracks to BMX and mountain bikers. The maximum and minimum
9 elevation of the contours on the site is 12 - 14 meters with a total site area of
10 19.07 acres (77,180 square meters). The area surrounding the site is still under
11 development and the only built fabric found are small tea shops, grocery shops,
12 auto garage–repair shops, and bus stops. As the area is allotted to Forest
13 Department, which is responsible to conserve the forest as a natural resource,
14 constructing permanent buildings and high rise is not a scope even in the
15 future. The proposed design utilizes all the existing trees, as a response to
16 forest conservation.
17
182021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 15. Proposed site
2
3 Source: Authors.
4
5 The Setting of Geometry
6
7 The setting of the site and its building structure is inspired by the tension
8 nodes of a cycle. During the ride, the weight applied on the saddle, the cycle
9 frame transfers the tension on the nodal points. The connection of those frames
10 acts as a medium to circulate tension on all nodal points. However, based on
11 the weight on the saddle and the pressure on the peddles, the tension at
12 different nodal points differs from time to time. In the proposed design, these
13 nodal points (the shape derived from a cycle to site) act as primary spaces, in
14 terms of their function. Refer to Figure 20.
15
16 Figure 16. Concept inspired by tension nodes in a cycle
17
18
19 Source: Authors.
192021-4287-AJA
1 The Setting of the Site
2
3 The main structure, that is the velodrome occupies the Northwest side of
4 the site, which is adjacent to the peripheral road too. If the structure of the
5 cycle frame is superimposed on the site, the location of the velodrome
6 represents a major nodal point (tension point below the saddle). Laying the site
7 from its northernmost edge, the indoor and outdoor mountain biking (MTB)
8 park represents the topmost nodal point in the cycle frame (the handle of the
9 cycle). The central part of the site comprises BMX park and kids pump park.
10 When implemented, this cycle park can serve as an athletic sports centre that
11 can host national events. Housing is provided on the eastern edge as a response
12 to such future events. On the opposite end of housing lies the velodrome with a
13 capacity of 2000 people, adjacent to an outdoor amphitheatre and
14 administration block. In the rear end of the site, the southern side lies the
15 parking for visitors and cyclists. With a clear roof span of 125 meters in the
16 velodrome, the structure is entirely constructed out of concrete and steel. The
17 tracks are made out of wood and steel. The truss which connects to the multiple
18 steel support is designed to gain better stability and orientation on a contoured
19 site.
20
21 Figure 17. Site plan development
22
23 Source: Authors.
202021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 18. Site sections
2
3 Source: Authors.
4
5 Figure 19 shows (1) vehicular access to the site, which aims to keep the
6 inside of the parked vehicle free; (2) pedestrian and cyclist access and (3)
7 service access. The service access will be used in case of events.
8
9 Figure 19. Vehicular access; pedestrian and cyclist access and service access
10
11
12 Source: Authors.
13
14 Design Details
15
16 The design of the velodrome is structured into steel and concrete frames
17 supporting a column-free track. Above the ground level (2.5 meters), at 3.5 to
212021-4287-AJA
1 7.5 meters accommodates the gym, cycle associations, and other services. The
2 entry-level consists of entry/ exit points along with a few shops and utilities.
3 The seating capacity accommodates 2000 people from 8 meters and 11.5
4 meters. The wooden Velo track is supported by metal sections forming the
5 outer shell and support for the velodrome. This is enveloped in glass with
6 minimal openings, with the idea to use natural light to its fullest. Even the
7 tubular truss, which forms a light roofing structure is combined with metal
8 tubes letting natural light in. Figure 20 shows details of the velodrome and its
9 sectional details.
10
11 Figure 20. Design of velodrome and sectional details
12
13 Source: Authors.
14
15
222021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 21. Elevational view
2 Source: Authors.
3
4 Figure 22. Velodrome top section
5
6 Source: Authors.
7
8 Figure 23. BMX track for kids and professionals
9
10 Source: Authors.
11
232021-4287-AJA
1 Figure 24. View of interlinked spaces around the park and view of elevated
2 tracks
3
4
5 Source: Authors.
6
7
8 Conclusions
9
10 The study included a literature review exploring people’s growing interest
11 in cycling, especially during pandemic times (COVID 19). The influence of the
12 mixed culture population and immigrants from all over the country and globe
13 has given new light to the potential of cycling as a sport in Bengaluru, in the
14 recent decade. Several cyclist groups have explored cycling trails in and around
15 Bengaluru. However, many cyclists still do not get a chance to practice stunts
16 due to no dedicated infrastructure. The amateurs also lose motivation due to the
17 little infrastructure provided and for safety reasons. With this notion as a
18 starting point, this study has documented international standards and case
19 studies, to propose a cycle park for amateurs and professionals where they can
20 practice cycling as a leisure activity as well as a sport. The idea is to give the
21 infrastructure of an international cycling stadium within the city limits but also
22 with natural textures, such as uneven terrain which is needed for mountain
23 biking. The design provides BMX track cycling, road biking, mountain biking,
24 freestyle and dirt jumper facilities. Concepts such as natural lighting, water and
25 energy-efficient systems make the design relevant to the time. If implemented,
26 this study aims to provide the place with appropriate infrastructure for all
27 cyclists and for national and international cycling events to take place.
28
29
30
242021-4287-AJA
1 Bibliography
2
3 Edwards, Peggy, and Agis D. Tsouros. 2008. A healthy city is an active city: a
4 physical activity planning guide. Information Report, Europe: World Health
5 Organization, 80.
6 Olympic Studies Centre. 2020. World Cities Day 2020: The power of Sport to build
7 healthier, more sustainable urban communities. Informational Report, Tokyo:
8 International Olympic Committee, 14.
9 Gratton, Chris, Simon Shibli, and Richard Coleman. 2005. "Sport and Economic
10 Regeneration in Cities." Urban Studies (Sage Journals) 42 (5): 985 - 999.
11 Hindustan Times. 2008. "Bangalore to host first-ever National Youth Games." India
12 News. Bangalore, Karnataka, March 24.
13 Heitzman, James. 1999. "Sports and Conflict in Urban Planning: The Indian National
14 Games in Bangalore." Journal of Sport and Social Issues (Sage Journals) 23 (1):
15 5 - 23.
16 M., Neha. 2020. Get Biking With These Cycling Clubs In Bangalore. LBB. Bangalore.
17 Mounika, Alithea Stephanie. 2020. "Cycling the new normal in Bengaluru, sales shoot
18 up after lockdown." Cycling. Bangalore: The News Minute, July 3.
19 Dev, Arun. 2021. "Number of pedallers rise in Bengaluru, but not enough space for
20 cycling." India News. Bengaluru: Hindustan Times, March 22.
21 Cycle To Work. 2020. Bangalore cycling project. Bengaluru.
22 Varkey, Amrutha Mary. 2018. "Ever-growing Bengaluru and ineffective planning."
23 Bengaluru: Deccan Herald, November 12.
24 Puttalingaiah, Surendra, Shahnin Irfan, and Ashok Devendrappa Hanjagi. 2020.
25 "Levels Of Urbanization In Bangalore Urban District Of Karnataka, India."
26 Social and Behavioural Sciences. Bengaluru: International Conference on
27 Humanities. 70 - 80.
28 Bengaluru Online. 2021. "Geography of Bangalore." Bengaluru: BengaluruOnline.in.
29 World Population Review. 2021. "Bangalore Population." Bangalore: World
30 Population Review.
31 Census 2011. 2021. "Bangalore (Bengaluru) City Population 2011 - 2021." Census
32 Population 2021 Data. March. Accessed May 6, 2021. https://www.census2011.
33 co.in/census/city/448-bangalore.html.
34 2021. Bangalore Cycling Routes. Bengaluru: Bumsonthesaddle.com.
35 Government of Karnataka. 2014. Cycle Day. Information Report, Urban Development
36 Department, Bengaluru: Directorate of Urban Land Transport, 1.
37 Malagi, Rajeev. 2020. "34-km Cycle Lane coming up on the Outer ring road soon."
38 Commute. Bengaluru: Citizens Matters, October 11.
39 R., Jayasimha K. 2020. "Cycling Districts to come up across Bengaluru." DULT
40 receives ideas and routes from enthusiasts and the general public. Bengaluru:
41 The Hindu, August 26.
42 Nystrom, Micheal. 2020. "What is a Velodrome?" Cycling Articles. Active.com.
43 Jones, Christopher Frederick. 2018. "Photograph." Cox Architects. Anna Meares
44 Velodrome. Brisbane: Cox Architecture .
45 Arup. 2019. "The architectural vision is a bowl that grows from the undulating
46 landscape." Anna Meares Velodrome. Brisbane: ARUP.
47 Austadiums. 2021. "Anna Meares Velodrome." Brisbane: Austadiums.com.
48 Cycling Queensland. 2021. "Anna Meares Velodrome." Track Cycling. Brisbane:
49 cycling.org.au.
252021-4287-AJA
1 Archdaily. 2021. "Anna Meares Velodrome/Cox Architecture." Brisbane: archdaily.
2 com.
3 WordPress. 2016. "A work of perfect engineering." archvelopark.wordpress.com,
4 September 16.
5 Hopkins Architects. 2021. "London 2012 Velodrome." archdaily.com, March.
6 Spinney, Justin. 2007. Cycling the City: Non-Place and the Sensory Construction of
7 Meaning in a Mobile Practice. Vol. 1, in Cycling and Society, by Dave Horton,
8 Paul Rosen and Peter Cox. England: Ashgate Publishing Limited.
9 Civitas. 2013. Enabling Cycling Cities: Ingredients for Success. Policy Report, EC’s
10 Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development,
11 Mimosa: Civitas Mimosa, 80.
12 Oosterhuis, Harry. 2016. "Cycling, modernity and national culture." Social History
13 (Taylor and Francis Group) 41 (3): 233 - 248.
14 Ritchie, Andrew. 1999. "The Origins of Bicycle Racing in England: Technology,
15 Entertainment, Sponsorship and Advertising in the Early History of the Sport."
16 Journal of Sport History (University of Illinois Press) 26 (3): 489 - 520.
17 Butler, Nic. 2019. "The Velocipede Invasion of 1869." Charleston County Public
18 Library, July 19.
19 Ruggiero, Adam. 2016. "Little-Known Heroes: All-Black 25th Infantry Bicycle
20 Corps." Gear Junkie website, January 18.
21 Toohey, Michael S. 2010. Amateurs, Cash Amateurs and Professionals: Social and
22 Cultural History of Bicycle Racing in New Zealand. Thesis, Lincoln University,
23 Lincoln University, 269.
24 Kaddoura, Mohammad. 2020. "The longest continuous cycle path in the world laid in
25 Qatar." Guinness World Records. Doha: guinnessworldrecords.com, September 7.
26 Evelo Electric Bicycles. 2021. "The History & Evolution of the Bicycle." evelo.com,
27 April.
28 Edwards, Phil. 2016. "Meet the first stunt bicyclist. He did tricks in the 1880s and
29 invented the wheelie." Olympic and World. Trivia Happy, April 16.
30
31
26You can also read
