Who is Cycling on My Bridge? Before-and-After Studies of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Path over Saupstadbrua Bridge in Trondheim

TØI has, on behalf of The Norwegian Public Roads Administration, conducted an evaluation of the impact of a new bicycle path with sidewalk, built over a completely new bridge across Bjørndalen near Tiller, south of Trondheim. The study was completed in the summer of 2024. The effects of the new bicycle path were examined through video analyses and interviews with pedestrians and cyclists before and after the path was established. The video analyses showed an increase in walking, cycling, and electric scooter use by 21%, 22%, and 27% respectively. The new infrastructure was used for both transport and recreational purposes. Interviews with pedestrians and cyclists revealed an increase in reported cycling and walking from the "before" to the "after" situation. Additionally, both cyclists and pedestrians reported finding the route more pleasant and safer, and that it generally works better for them as road users compared to how it was previously. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and provide better documentation of the impact of bicycle paths with sidewalk on traffic patterns in Norway.