A web and GIS-based tool (SIRCuL) for a better cycling network planning and mobility management - interfacing bicycle users data and local administration policies

Felix, Rosa; Alexandre Bacelar Gonçalves; Jorge Baptista e Silva

Key information

Authors:

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

Published in

05/17/2013

Abstract

There has been recent discussion on the transition of mobility systems, allowing the assessment on how cities are committed to the promotion of the bicycle as a mean of transport - for instance, the PRESTO and Copenhagenize Urban Cycling Index programs. In cities where an increase in bicycle use as a mean of transport is noticeable, municipal planning for related infrastructures relies mainly in best practice replication. However, this is not always able to generate effective and locally adapted solutions for cycling start-up cities, mainly due to lack of data about the de facto cyclists' movements, and with a frequency that enables the monitoring of the growth rate of local cycling mobility, and the costs of collecting and processing data of cyclists' movements are substantial. In this paper we present and discuss the structure for an information system tool that interfaces the cycling community and local mobility management authorities in ‘cycling starter cities’. We suggest a website-based system providing a free service of bike route planning and allowing user feedback as an indirect way of collecting data about preferred paths and rider characteristics. Our case study is Lisbon, where initial steps towards promoting cycling mobility are being taken. An extensive online survey was launched to characterise the local cycling community and practice. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed three types of user profiles weighting different criteria in their route selections. These profiles can be considered relevant inputs and may be combined in a bike route planner with municipal geospatial data, collecting preferences and information from users’ experiences and giving recommendations on optimal routes. The local authority responsible for biking infrastructure and mobility management can also receive, from the cycling community, important feedback on frequency of street segment usage, indication of accidents or unsafe spots, problems with pavements or traffic signals, and suggestions.