A Participative Bike Route Planner to Improve Adaptive Cycling Strategies in Cycling Starter Cities - typology of cyclists and cycling preferences in Lisbon

Jorge Batista e Silva; Felix, Rosa; Gonçalves, Alexandre Bacelar; Fernando Nunes da Silva

Key information

Authors:

Jorge Batista e Silva (Jorge Manuel Lopes Baptista e Silva); Felix, Rosa (Rosa Melo Félix); Gonçalves, Alexandre Bacelar (Alexandre Bacelar Gonçalves); Fernando Nunes da Silva (Fernando Nunes da Silva)

Published in

07/15/2013

Abstract

In this article we present and discuss a possible structure for a new information system tool that interfaces the cycling community and the local mobility management authority. In ‘cycling starter cities’, such as the city of Lisbon – applying the Presto (2010) city types – which is taking the first steps towards promoting cycling mobility, there is usually a significant lack of data concerning bicycle users and an absence of communicative tools to improve interaction with the local authority and promote adaptive cycling mobility strategies. In Lisbon, an extensive online survey (with roughly 1000 respondents) was launched with the aim of characterising the city’s cycling community. Statistical processing using multivariate statistical analysis revealed three types of user profiles – Beginner, Sport/Weekend and Commuter – weighting different criteria in terms of route selection. These user profiles can be considered relevant inputs by the information system, with the aim of combining the functions of a traditional bike route planner with municipal GIS data, collecting preferences and information from users’ experiences and giving them recommendations on optimal routes. Through this system the local authority responsible for cycling infrastructure and mobility management can receive, from the cycling community, important feedback on frequency of street segment usage, indication of accidents or unsafe spots, problems with paving/surfaces or traffic signals, as well as suggestions and opinions. This system seeks to promote useful interaction between cyclists and mobility managers (that can be extended to other types of cycling stakeholders), which is considered very important for defining adaptive bicycle mobility strategies. Adaptive strategies in urban mobility seem to be especially relevant when cities are in a transition phase, looking to change their private vehicle-based mobility system to a more sustainable mobility system with a modal split in favour of public transport and soft modes.