Mobility in Rio de Janeiro metropolitan periphery: active transportation challenges in São João de Meriti, RJ

Abstract

This article investigates the urban mobility scenarios in São João de Meriti, peripheral municipality of Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region. Featuring the State’s largest demographic density and one of the lowest urban well-being indexes (IBEU), the ‘dormitory-city’ is defined by its daily center-periphery’s work force commuting. The qualitative and empirical research seeks to: identify the road networks system structure and flows in multiple urban accessibility scales; understand local urban reality, public policies and planning actions – railroad installation, demographic explosion, opening of highways connecting Rio and São Paulo, industrialization process; and analyze the articulation between municipal governance and the National Urban Mobility Policy. Methodologically, the investigation is carried out through field surveys for physical aspects measuring and mapping; data and spatial analysis using GIS; transit network qualitative analysis in connections with micro accessibility level alternatives. The analysis prioritizes collective and non-motorized transportation scenarios; promotion of walkability and universal accessibility; private motorized vehicles reduction, considering limits and challenges to safeguard urban mobility under the premises of social inclusion and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, we present the outcomes of the assessment of bicycle lanes and multimodal connectivity projects promoted by the municipality.

Keywords:
Urban mobility; Periphery; Open spaces; Microaccessibility; São João de Meriti