Green infrastructure of Brazilian bike paths: cyclists’ perception and afforestation in Rio de Janeiro City

Abstract

The urgency of enhancing environmental quality, promoting a green economy, and forging a new societal paradigm falls upon the managers of Brazilian cities. It is crucial to promote sustainable transportation modes. Thus, the present study aims to assess Brazilians’ perception of urban bike paths and to assess the vegetation planted along bike paths in Rio de Janeiro City. Accordingly, a survey was conducted with cyclists from various Brazilian cities mainly located in the Atlantic Forest biome. A survey about the green structure in Rio de Janeiro’s bike paths was also carried out to assess its impact on infrastructure and potential issues. A questionnaire consisting of eighteen carefully formulated questions was applied to the Google Forms platform. Clearly, participants acknowledge greenery as a strategy to provide crucial benefits to people, such as heat reduction and shade creation, as well as pointed out challenges like problems arising from improper root-growth in some plant species and public lighting reduction. In total, 30 plant species were identified on Rio de Janeiro’s bike paths; Terminalia catappa and Pachira aquatica were the most common ones. Leaf fall, pavement breakage and species with large fleshy fruits that can cause bike accidents are among the problems caused by the identified plant species.