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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our cities in monumental ways with no sector likely being more severely impacted than transport. Lockdowns, physical spacing, transport restrictions and stay-at-home guidelines have transformed personal mobility and highlighted the mistakes of an unbalanced pro-car culture that defined a century of urban planning. One immediate effect of the virus in relation to travel demand and supply was the emergence of active travel modes because of their unique ability to provide a socially distanced way of transport. Cycling is one of the modes that has enjoyed significant attention. Numerous cities have reallocated street and public space to cyclists and introduced pro-bike interventions like pop-up cycle lanes, e-bike subsidies, free bike-share use and traffic calming measures. This newly found outbreak-induced momentum creates an opportunity to establish a new ethos that allows the promotion of potentially permanent strategies that may help cycling to be (re-)established as a robust, mainstream and resilient travel mode for inner city trips and not as a second-class alternative operating under the automobile’s giant shadow. This paper provides a state-of-the-art description of the anti-COVID cycling-friendly initiatives that have been introduced globally, the successes and failures of these initiatives, the lessons learnt that can help us redefine the bicycle’s role in local societies today and a best cycling practice policy guide for planning a more bike-centric future.
Alexandros Nikitas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Christos Karolemeas; Efthymia Kourmpa; Efthimios Bakogiannis. Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4620 .
AMA StyleAlexandros Nikitas, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Christos Karolemeas, Efthymia Kourmpa, Efthimios Bakogiannis. Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (9):4620.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandros Nikitas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Christos Karolemeas; Efthymia Kourmpa; Efthimios Bakogiannis. 2021. "Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future." Sustainability 13, no. 9: 4620.
The current research focuses on incorporating Autonomous Buses (ABs) in the street functional classification system. Specifically, we propose the creation of a new street type that will be strictly devoted to pedestrians, cyclists, ABs and micromobility modes (e.g. e-scooters), through a data-driven approach. The proposed method consists of five steps and takes into consideration various criteria referring both to urban (e.g. population density, school facilities, public spaces, commercial sites) and transport environment (e.g. roadway width, slopes). It is carried out by using GIS tools. The study area of the research is the city of Kallithea, a densely populated suburb in the southern part of Athens. The suggested planning approach is expected to shape favourable conditions for improving public transport efficiency and visibility by gradually incorporating low-speed, electric, pod-like ABs in a car-dominated system and providing them with a test-bed that will prepare them for their expansion to highway environments, where they would really make a difference in the long term. This is something that adds to the bigger picture of sustainable and socially inclusive transport provision even if route planning implementation is a challenging issue, since ABs should be integrated in the transport network, along with pedestrians and cyclists. The development of a method which introduces ABs in the urban transport system is in line with the emerging Mobility as a Service (MaaS) concept, and it also contributes considerably to the shift from conventional to smart cities.
S. Tsigdinos; C. Karolemeas; E. Bakogiannis; A. Nikitas. Introducing autonomous buses into street functional classification systems: An exploratory spatial approach. Case Studies on Transport Policy 2021, 9, 813 -822.
AMA StyleS. Tsigdinos, C. Karolemeas, E. Bakogiannis, A. Nikitas. Introducing autonomous buses into street functional classification systems: An exploratory spatial approach. Case Studies on Transport Policy. 2021; 9 (2):813-822.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Tsigdinos; C. Karolemeas; E. Bakogiannis; A. Nikitas. 2021. "Introducing autonomous buses into street functional classification systems: An exploratory spatial approach." Case Studies on Transport Policy 9, no. 2: 813-822.
Shifting from a fossil-fueled to an eco-friendly vehicle fleet in cities could pave the way towards a more sustainable future. Electric Vehicles (EVs) should thus be prioritized, so that they could replace conventional vehicles gradually. In this context, an EV-accommodating infrastructure, which ensures the functionality of the entire system, is essential. This study aims to develop a methodological framework to identify suitable locations for the deployment of EV charging points in urban environments. To meet this objective, we acquired a mixed method approach including a systematic literature review, 12 semistructured stakeholder interviews which were thematically analyzed, and an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The outcome is a spatial model function, which consists of parameters and weights for estimating the suitability of each urban road link that will allow the establishment of EV charging points. Results show that the key location selection factors are: transport hubs, marked or controlled parking spaces, and points of interest. The less significant factor is public services. Therefore, there is a preference, in stakeholder level, for transport features over the land use ones (69% over 31%). Although this research is conducted in Greece, we intend to suggest methods and generate valuable findings that may be valid and generalizable for a more global context.
Christos Karolemeas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Panagiotis Tzouras; Alexandros Nikitas; Efthimios Bakogiannis. Determining Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location Suitability: A Qualitative Study of Greek Stakeholders Employing Thematic Analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2298 .
AMA StyleChristos Karolemeas, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Panagiotis Tzouras, Alexandros Nikitas, Efthimios Bakogiannis. Determining Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location Suitability: A Qualitative Study of Greek Stakeholders Employing Thematic Analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (4):2298.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristos Karolemeas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Panagiotis Tzouras; Alexandros Nikitas; Efthimios Bakogiannis. 2021. "Determining Electric Vehicle Charging Station Location Suitability: A Qualitative Study of Greek Stakeholders Employing Thematic Analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process." Sustainability 13, no. 4: 2298.
Everyday human activity is crucially defined by walkability at neighbourhood level, and accordingly, this paper sets a dual focus: to map basic pedestrian accessibility infrastructure and to investigate the factors influencing walking patterns in such areas. The study area is Koukaki, a neighborhood in Athens’ municipality. The methodological framework consists of four steps: a) Evaluating neighbourhood-level pedestrian accessibility with emphasis on vulnerable users, b) Selecting a centrality cluster, as an area of dense human activity (high density of non-residential uses), c) data collection of pedestrian flow and d) interpretation of the results. The results showed that human flows have substantial positive correlation with commercial activities, but negative with residential uses. In addition, they appear to have strong positive correlation with local network centrality (space syntax), sidewalk width and functional density. Finally, the evaluation of pedestrian infrastructure demonstrated that pedestrian movement cannot be adequately sustained in Koukaki, thus needing serious interventions.
Yannis Paraskevopoulos; National Technical University of Athens; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Maria Andrakakou. Exploring neighborhood walkability aspects and their interaction with the urban environment. The case of a residential neighborhood in Athens city centre. European Journal of Geography 2020, 11, 179 -194.
AMA StyleYannis Paraskevopoulos, National Technical University of Athens, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Maria Andrakakou. Exploring neighborhood walkability aspects and their interaction with the urban environment. The case of a residential neighborhood in Athens city centre. European Journal of Geography. 2020; 11 (4):179-194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYannis Paraskevopoulos; National Technical University of Athens; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Maria Andrakakou. 2020. "Exploring neighborhood walkability aspects and their interaction with the urban environment. The case of a residential neighborhood in Athens city centre." European Journal of Geography 11, no. 4: 179-194.
The current paper aims at examining ways to support sustainable modes in a metropolitan environment, as a means of enhancing accessibility and social equity. The study adopts a mix-method approach consisting of field observations, literature review and secondary data analysis. Through this approach, the research develops a method for reconceptualising urban car traffic arterials and provides a coherent plan for transforming them into multimodal corridors. The multimodal corridors are proposed based on their position in the street network, their connectivity properties, their urban characteristics, the existence of major public transport routes or dedicated cycling routes and their current street classification. Furthermore, the paper suggests design methods referring to each corridor category under the principles of sustainable mobility (e.g. cross-sections). The study area is the metropolitan area of Athens (AMA) in Greece. The implementation of the proposed interventions is expected to generate significant positive impacts such as the promotion of active modes and public transport, unification of the urban fabric, accessibility improvements, environmental protection and urban liveability benefits. The creation of multimodal corridors constitutes an alternative planning tool which prioritises walking, cycling and public transport. The method developed in this case study could be applied to other study areas with similar characteristics and may be a prototypical “roadmap” for policy-makers, planners and local communities, aiming to transform car-dominated corridors to multimodal ones.
S. Tsigdinos; A. Nikitas; E. Bakogiannis. Multimodal corridor development as a way of supporting sustainable mobility in Athens. Case Studies on Transport Policy 2020, 9, 137 -148.
AMA StyleS. Tsigdinos, A. Nikitas, E. Bakogiannis. Multimodal corridor development as a way of supporting sustainable mobility in Athens. Case Studies on Transport Policy. 2020; 9 (1):137-148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Tsigdinos; A. Nikitas; E. Bakogiannis. 2020. "Multimodal corridor development as a way of supporting sustainable mobility in Athens." Case Studies on Transport Policy 9, no. 1: 137-148.
In recent years, EU has placed great importance on the safety of road users (real and perceived). In this context today in Greece, around 180 municipalities are implementing SUMPs for first time and therefore a primary identification of the hazardous points is made through the mapping of traffic incidents. This article presents the results of the mapping of traffic accidents in five metropolitan municipalities of Attica (Athens, Piraeus, Marousi, Kifisia, Chalandri), and their analysis using GIS tools. Network kernel density analysis was performed to determine the spots where a high concentration of severe accidents appeared, as well as spatial autocorrelation using Moran index and Hot-Spot Analysis in terms of time, driver’s age and type of vehicle involved. The results indicate the hazardous points in the study areas and their particular characteristics. Finally, it is noted that the aforementioned analysis can contribute to the design of feasible solutions in order to improve road safety and at the same time, create a safe and sustainable transport system in each of the study cities.
Panagiotis Tzouras; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Christos Karolemeas; Efthimios Bakogiannis. Discussing the Role of Traffic Safety in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans Using Spatial Analysis Techniques. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing 2020, 505 -514.
AMA StylePanagiotis Tzouras, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Christos Karolemeas, Efthimios Bakogiannis. Discussing the Role of Traffic Safety in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans Using Spatial Analysis Techniques. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing. 2020; ():505-514.
Chicago/Turabian StylePanagiotis Tzouras; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Christos Karolemeas; Efthimios Bakogiannis. 2020. "Discussing the Role of Traffic Safety in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans Using Spatial Analysis Techniques." Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing , no. : 505-514.
Street functional classification comprises a principal element of urban road networks. However, the conventional approach that has dominated urban and transport planning, has given main priority on car movement. This condition lead to significant negative impacts on cities such as major severances to the urban fabric, low multimodality level, inaccessible road environment for pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, it is clear that we should embark into a new hierarchy system, enhancing and supporting sustainable transport modes. The current research intends to develop a method that determines the strategic road network of a metropolitan region based on a multicriteria analysis process (MCA). More specifically, at first, we created 3 alternatives of re-defining the current strategic road network of the study area. These alternatives propose 3 different strategic network classifications according to several parameters; i) connectivity properties, ii) route position in the road network, iii) urban interest, iv) existence of major public transport lines and metropolitan cycling routes, as well as v) their existing classification condition. Afterwards, we evaluate these alternatives using multicriteria analysis (REGIME method) in order to choose the most efficient one. The evaluation process uses various criteria which cover a considerable range of urban and transport issues. The selected alternative adopts a two-dimensional matrix approach, which addresses the significance of the routes and the modes prioritized. The method is applied to the metropolitan area of Athens in Greece. It is worth noting that the selected alternative can bring about notable benefits for the Greek capital, such as increase of walking, cycling and public transport share, improvement of traffic safety level, greener mobility (less GHG emissions and energy consumption), enhancement of the urban realm, better accessibility and coherence of the urban fabric. The method proposed, is a human-oriented planning tool which provides priority to sustainable modes and could be replicated to other areas with similar characteristics as well.
Stefanos Tsigdinos; Thanos Vlastos. Exploring ways to determine an alternative strategic road network in a metropolitan city: A multi-criteria analysis approach. IATSS Research 2020, 45, 102 -115.
AMA StyleStefanos Tsigdinos, Thanos Vlastos. Exploring ways to determine an alternative strategic road network in a metropolitan city: A multi-criteria analysis approach. IATSS Research. 2020; 45 (1):102-115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefanos Tsigdinos; Thanos Vlastos. 2020. "Exploring ways to determine an alternative strategic road network in a metropolitan city: A multi-criteria analysis approach." IATSS Research 45, no. 1: 102-115.
Hierarchy of urban transport networks is a fundamental component of the traffic organization in cities. Until recently, conventional hierarchy approach has provided almost absolute priority to car movement, resulting in dysfunctional urban systems with low level of modal integration, unattractive and inaccessible public spaces as well as serious environmental issues. The need for a new hierarchy formulation which promotes sustainable means of transport is now more imperative than ever. The aim of this paper is to create a methodological process for formulating the strategic road network of a large metropolitan city. This method divides primary roads into 6 categories based on their network position, their connectivity, their urban characteristics, the existence of trunk bus lines or metropolitan cycling routes as well as their current classification. The study area of the research is the metropolitan area of Athens in Greece. The implementation of the proposed method can benefit Athens in many ways, such as promotion of sustainable means of transport, enhancement of urban vitality, environmental protection, unification of the urban fabric, accessibility improvement etc. The methodological framework described, constitutes a street-oriented planning tool that gives priority to public transport, walking and cycling. It can be applied to other study areas as well, acting as a roadmap for strategic road network formulation.
Stefanos Tsigdinos; Thanos Vlastos. Strategic road network formulation: developing an alternative methodology towards sustainable mobility. Transportation Research Procedia 2020, 47, 505 -512.
AMA StyleStefanos Tsigdinos, Thanos Vlastos. Strategic road network formulation: developing an alternative methodology towards sustainable mobility. Transportation Research Procedia. 2020; 47 ():505-512.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefanos Tsigdinos; Thanos Vlastos. 2020. "Strategic road network formulation: developing an alternative methodology towards sustainable mobility." Transportation Research Procedia 47, no. : 505-512.
Cycling tourism is an environmentally friendly way to explore a destination. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more popular worldwide, since it permits an in-depth communication both with nature and people. In this context, the aim of this paper is to explore, in detail, mainly the environmental motivators of cycling tourists, and their significance, in Greece, by using qualitative social research (in-depth interviews and focus groups) and participative analytical hierarchical process. The results show that regarding physical environment, the element which attracts cycle tourists the most is the variety of scenic views along their route. Existence of lakes, rivers and beaches were also valued. On the contrary, “Biodiversity” and “Untouched natural landscapes” were ranked low as a description of the quality of the natural environment. However, the rise of cycling tourism depends considerably on the appropriate infrastructure, namely roads with low slopes, appropriate quality of surfaces and cycling infrastructure. Planners, policy-makers, and competent authorities should give emphasis on the critical factors in order to enhance cycling tourism, thus resulting in positive multiplying effects such as environmental protection and economic growth.
Efthimios Bakogiannis; Thanos Vlastos; Konstantinos Athanasopoulos; Avgi Vassi; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Charalampos Kyriakidis; Maria-Stella Noutsou; Maria Siti; Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou; Ismini Stroumpou; Eleftheria Tzika. Exploring Motivators and Deterrents of Cycling Tourism Using Qualitative Social Research Methods and Participative Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sustainability 2020, 12, 2418 .
AMA StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis, Thanos Vlastos, Konstantinos Athanasopoulos, Avgi Vassi, Georgia Christodoulopoulou, Christos Karolemeas, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Charalampos Kyriakidis, Maria-Stella Noutsou, Maria Siti, Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou, Ismini Stroumpou, Eleftheria Tzika. Exploring Motivators and Deterrents of Cycling Tourism Using Qualitative Social Research Methods and Participative Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2418.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis; Thanos Vlastos; Konstantinos Athanasopoulos; Avgi Vassi; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Charalampos Kyriakidis; Maria-Stella Noutsou; Maria Siti; Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou; Ismini Stroumpou; Eleftheria Tzika. 2020. "Exploring Motivators and Deterrents of Cycling Tourism Using Qualitative Social Research Methods and Participative Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2418.
Cycle-tourism seems to be an emerging touristic model in many countries, including Greece. Although the infrastructure is limited, entrepreneurship can support the development of such tourism sector, as cycle-tourists have specific needs to be met during an excursion. Thus, it would be helpful if stores that meet specific prerequisites could be certificated as cycle-friendly companies. In order for such certification to be developed, it is necessary for those parameters to be defined. This paper focuses on that topic and such criteria were identified through in-depth interviews with cycle-tourists and cycle-tour operators. Through this research, conclusions were derived about the criteria according to which cycle-tourists in Greece select stores and accommodation during an excursion. Those selection parameters were transcribed to indicators that will be used in order to develop the certification at the next phase of the research. Moreover, conclusions were compared with outcomes of similar international studies. It was found that cycle-tourists are interested in specific services, regardless of the country in which they live or travel. Besides conventional touristic activities, the importance of small retail stores in remote villages acting as meeting points with local people and culture was highlighted.
Efthimios Bakogiannis; Thanos Vlastos; Konstantinos Athanasopoulos; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas; Charalampos Kyriakidis; Maria-Stella Noutsou; Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou; Maria Siti; Ismini Stroumpou; Avgi Vassi; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Eleftheria Tzika. Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2415 .
AMA StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis, Thanos Vlastos, Konstantinos Athanasopoulos, Georgia Christodoulopoulou, Christos Karolemeas, Charalampos Kyriakidis, Maria-Stella Noutsou, Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou, Maria Siti, Ismini Stroumpou, Avgi Vassi, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Eleftheria Tzika. Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2415.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis; Thanos Vlastos; Konstantinos Athanasopoulos; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas; Charalampos Kyriakidis; Maria-Stella Noutsou; Trisevgeni Papagerasimou-Klironomou; Maria Siti; Ismini Stroumpou; Avgi Vassi; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Eleftheria Tzika. 2020. "Development of a Cycle-Tourism Strategy in Greece Based on the Preferences of Potential Cycle-Tourists." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2415.
The city of Rethymno in Crete is the first Greek city to host a Dockless Bike Sharing System (DBSS). This is a scheme that means to promote sustainable mobility and help mitigating high levels of car traffic induced particularly during summer by a consistently increasing number of tourists. The present paper examines the efficiency of this DBSS aiming at: a) analysing the current usage patterns, b) identifying and discussing the various reasons that encourage or deter its use and c) capturing a few key user perceptions reflecting and affecting scheme acceptanceand usage. The study adopts a mix-method approach consisting of secondary data analysis, field observations and a quantitative survey, completed by 534 DBSS users. The findings illustrate that DBSS is used primarily for short-distance trips (up to 1,5 km) and very short rentals (up to 15 min). Traffic safety concerns and limitations in the existing cycling infrastructure are two of the factors adversely affecting the scheme's usage, since many questioned whether the scheme was an effective investment under the present situation with the given constrains of Rethymno's transport system. The majority of both frequent and occasional users thought that the scheme is affordable, easy to use and suitable for both tourist and local populations. These findings constitute the first ever footprint of DBSS usage in Greece and can be used as an input for delivering appropriate policy interventions in future urban transportation strategies looking to promote and reinforce bike sharing usage and increase cycling uptake. The paper also offers valuable guidance to mobility providers about how bike sharing businesses can prosper long-term in an environment where shared mobility schemes constitute novel socio-technical interventions.
Efthimios Bakogiannis; Maria Siti; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Avgi Vassi; Alexandros Nikitas. Monitoring the first dockless bike sharing system in Greece: Understanding user perceptions, usage patterns and adoption barriers. Research in Transportation Business & Management 2019, 33, 100432 .
AMA StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis, Maria Siti, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Avgi Vassi, Alexandros Nikitas. Monitoring the first dockless bike sharing system in Greece: Understanding user perceptions, usage patterns and adoption barriers. Research in Transportation Business & Management. 2019; 33 ():100432.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis; Maria Siti; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Avgi Vassi; Alexandros Nikitas. 2019. "Monitoring the first dockless bike sharing system in Greece: Understanding user perceptions, usage patterns and adoption barriers." Research in Transportation Business & Management 33, no. : 100432.
Contemporary cities face significant challenges, particularly due to climate change and the rapid urbanization. Therefore,a new concept has emerged, utilizing the striking technological progress. This paradigm is no other than the Smart City;
Efthimios Bakogiannis; Maria Siti; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas. THE CHALLENGE OF SMART MOBILITY INTEGRATION IN THE EVOLVING SMART CITY CONTEXT; THE PARADIGM OF HERAKLION. Proceedings of the International Conferences ICT, Society, and Human Beings 2019; Connected Smart Cities 2019; and Web Based Communities and Social Media 2019 2019, 217 -225.
AMA StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis, Maria Siti, Stefanos Tsigdinos, Georgia Christodoulopoulou, Christos Karolemeas. THE CHALLENGE OF SMART MOBILITY INTEGRATION IN THE EVOLVING SMART CITY CONTEXT; THE PARADIGM OF HERAKLION. Proceedings of the International Conferences ICT, Society, and Human Beings 2019; Connected Smart Cities 2019; and Web Based Communities and Social Media 2019. 2019; ():217-225.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEfthimios Bakogiannis; Maria Siti; Stefanos Tsigdinos; Georgia Christodoulopoulou; Christos Karolemeas. 2019. "THE CHALLENGE OF SMART MOBILITY INTEGRATION IN THE EVOLVING SMART CITY CONTEXT; THE PARADIGM OF HERAKLION." Proceedings of the International Conferences ICT, Society, and Human Beings 2019; Connected Smart Cities 2019; and Web Based Communities and Social Media 2019 , no. : 217-225.