Research
Selected research projects — from in-depth interviews to analytical reports — demonstrating a flexible approach to complex data and insights.
An in-depth analysis of more than 70 000 traffic accident records in Moscow, focusing on cyclist-related cases, 2025
An assessment of normative urban planning documents in Russian regions with a focus on bicycle infrastructure, 2022
A field-based analysis of central Moscow’s streets, based on several months of observation, 2021
A preliminary analysis for the planning of Russia’s first national — 1000 km — touristic bicycle route, 2020
Cycling Activism Under Challenging Political Conditions
An in-depth study of the state of grassroots organizations in Russia and their capacity to influence urban development policy, 2018
A field-based analysis of central Moscow’s streets, based on several months of observation
How Pop-up Bike Lanes Influence Bicycle Ridership and Urban Street Safety
Summary:
In 2021, Let’s bike it! carried out a field-based analysis of central Moscow’s streets, focusing on the impact of temporary bike lanes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved several months of street-level observations across 21 locations, comparing data from 2020 and 2021. It found that, although pop-up lanes slightly increased cycling activity on some streets, their visibility, continuity, and safety remained limited. The findings highlighted the need for a more coherent and permanent cycling infrastructure network to ensure comfort and attract a broader range of users.
The study also revealed significant differences in the behavior of male and female cyclists, which pointed to ongoing safety concerns and gender-based disparities in perceived street comfort.
In addition, the analysis made it possible to demonstrate a substantial increase in cycling activity in Moscow over the past five years. This was enabled by access to earlier traffic count data from the Center for Traffic Management, predating major street reconstructions.
Methodology:
Around 30 volunteers participated in the project, conducting over 150 individual counts across 21 locations. Observations focused not only on ridership numbers but also on gender distribution, courier vs. non-courier usage, and the presence of electric scooters.
Role:
Research Lead
In 2021, Let’s bike it! carried out a field-based analysis of central Moscow’s streets, focusing on the impact of temporary bike lanes introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved several months of street-level observations across 21 locations, comparing data from 2020 and 2021. It found that, although pop-up lanes slightly increased cycling activity on some streets, their visibility, continuity, and safety remained limited. The findings highlighted the need for a more coherent and permanent cycling infrastructure network to ensure comfort and attract a broader range of users.
The study also revealed significant differences in the behavior of male and female cyclists, which pointed to ongoing safety concerns and gender-based disparities in perceived street comfort.
In addition, the analysis made it possible to demonstrate a substantial increase in cycling activity in Moscow over the past five years. This was enabled by access to earlier traffic count data from the Center for Traffic Management, predating major street reconstructions.
Methodology:
Around 30 volunteers participated in the project, conducting over 150 individual counts across 21 locations. Observations focused not only on ridership numbers but also on gender distribution, courier vs. non-courier usage, and the presence of electric scooters.
Role:
Research Lead
An assessment of normative urban planning documents in Russian regions
Regional Urban Design Standards: What’s Wrong and How to Improve
Summary:
This 2022 study by Let’s bike it! presents an assessment of normative urban planning documents across all 85 Russian regions, with a focus on provisions related to bicycle infrastructure. These documents regulate city development, covering topics from car parking requirements to public transport accessibility. Although cycling infrastructure can technically be implemented without explicit inclusion in these norms, its long-term development is unlikely without formal regulatory support.
Methodology:
The team reviewed Regional Urban Design Standards to assess whether and how bicycle infrastructure is addressed, focusing on two criteria: bike lanes and bike parking provisions.
Key Findings:
Role:
Research Lead
This 2022 study by Let’s bike it! presents an assessment of normative urban planning documents across all 85 Russian regions, with a focus on provisions related to bicycle infrastructure. These documents regulate city development, covering topics from car parking requirements to public transport accessibility. Although cycling infrastructure can technically be implemented without explicit inclusion in these norms, its long-term development is unlikely without formal regulatory support.
Methodology:
The team reviewed Regional Urban Design Standards to assess whether and how bicycle infrastructure is addressed, focusing on two criteria: bike lanes and bike parking provisions.
Key Findings:
- Only 8 regions received the maximum score for including clear standards for both bike lanes and bike parking.
- 22 regions scored moderately, typically regulating one aspect while neglecting the other.
- 21 regions made only minimal reference to cycling infrastructure.
- Moscow and 30 other regions failed to include any meaningful standards for cycling infrastructure.
- In 3 regions, relevant documents were not publicly available.
Role:
Research Lead
An analysis for the planning of Russia’s first national — 1000 km — touristic bicycle route
Research Expedition: A Cycling Trip from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Summary:
In September 2020, Let’s bike it! led a cycling expedition from Moscow to St. Petersburg to assess Russia’s first proposed national cycling route. The goal was to assess the proposed route and provide recommendations for its potential development, including surface quality, safety, and tourism potential.
Context:
The expedition was initiated at the request of Strelka KB, a Moscow-based urban planning bureau, and Millhouse, a private investment firm, which were planning to begin development of a national cycling corridor between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The proposed route had been outlined over the previous decade by cycling advocates from the National Bicycle Network of Russia. Their goal was to chart a safe and scenic connection between the two cities, avoiding major highways and highlighting cultural and natural landmarks.
Methodology:
A 12-person team with varying levels of cycling experience completed the full route (1000 km), intentionally using a mix of bicycles — including city bikes — to simulate the experience of a broad range of potential users. The group documented road conditions, challenging sections, and accessibility for non-sport cyclists.
Impact:
The expedition informed the development of a master plan for the full Moscow-St. Petersburg cycling route by Strelka KB. One year later, in September 2021, the first 60 km pilot section of the route was constructed and officially opened, attracting thousands of cyclists.
In September 2020, Let’s bike it! led a cycling expedition from Moscow to St. Petersburg to assess Russia’s first proposed national cycling route. The goal was to assess the proposed route and provide recommendations for its potential development, including surface quality, safety, and tourism potential.
Context:
The expedition was initiated at the request of Strelka KB, a Moscow-based urban planning bureau, and Millhouse, a private investment firm, which were planning to begin development of a national cycling corridor between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The proposed route had been outlined over the previous decade by cycling advocates from the National Bicycle Network of Russia. Their goal was to chart a safe and scenic connection between the two cities, avoiding major highways and highlighting cultural and natural landmarks.
Methodology:
A 12-person team with varying levels of cycling experience completed the full route (1000 km), intentionally using a mix of bicycles — including city bikes — to simulate the experience of a broad range of potential users. The group documented road conditions, challenging sections, and accessibility for non-sport cyclists.
Impact:
The expedition informed the development of a master plan for the full Moscow-St. Petersburg cycling route by Strelka KB. One year later, in September 2021, the first 60 km pilot section of the route was constructed and officially opened, attracting thousands of cyclists.
An in-depth analysis of more than 70 000 traffic accident records
Uncovering Hidden Patterns: A Decade of Road Traffic Accidents in Moscow
Summary:
This study aims to go beyond surface-level statistics and examine publicly available road crash data from the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate. While official reports on cyclist-related crashes typically state whether the numbers have increased or decreased, they often overlook deeper factors—such as seasonal trends, underlying causes, and the real effectiveness of proposed safety measures.
Objective:
To conduct a deeper, data-driven analysis of road traffic accidents, identify hidden patterns, and create a more informed foundation for evaluating and proposing safety improvements for cyclists.
Data Source:
Open crash data published by the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate (GIBDD).
Methodology:
Statistical and temporal analysis of crash records, including breakdowns by time of year, severity, location type, and participant demographics. Emphasis is placed on identifying non-obvious correlations and structural issues in the urban traffic environment.
Role:
Research Author and Data Analyst
This study aims to go beyond surface-level statistics and examine publicly available road crash data from the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate. While official reports on cyclist-related crashes typically state whether the numbers have increased or decreased, they often overlook deeper factors—such as seasonal trends, underlying causes, and the real effectiveness of proposed safety measures.
Objective:
To conduct a deeper, data-driven analysis of road traffic accidents, identify hidden patterns, and create a more informed foundation for evaluating and proposing safety improvements for cyclists.
Data Source:
Open crash data published by the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate (GIBDD).
Methodology:
Statistical and temporal analysis of crash records, including breakdowns by time of year, severity, location type, and participant demographics. Emphasis is placed on identifying non-obvious correlations and structural issues in the urban traffic environment.
Role:
Research Author and Data Analyst