Rising the Significance of Green Infrastructure in Belgrade, Serbia: Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Changes during the COVID-19

Abstract

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in urban mobility and the city usage patterns. This paper elaborates the effect of lockdown measures on the pedestrian and bicycle use of urban green spaces in Belgrade, Serbia (May 6 - September 29, 2020). Mobile Limitless Application and bicycle counters data from thousands of pedestrian and bicycle users were used to detect spatial and temporal changes in activities. It is estimated that outdoor pedestrian activity increased by 23% from the beginning of COVID-19 safety measures implementation, compared to an average detected during the last 2 years in the same time frame. Both pedestrians and cyclists intensified activities on lanes within green areas or along them. Finally, pedestrian and bicycle mobility have increased in urban parks, peri-urban forests and riverbank pedestrian lanes, emphasizing the importance of access to green open spaces, especially during the COVID-19 distress.