What about people in cycle network planning? Applying participative multicriteria GIS analysis in the case of the Athens metropolitan cycle network
Abstract: The
bicycle is gaining ground as an inexpensive, fast, healthy, and
enjoyable mode of transport, but the development of cycle
infrastructures appears to be a necessary prerequisite for supporting
further growth in cycling rates. Thus far, few studies have developed
comprehensive methodologies for the prioritisation of cycling
infrastructure investments, and the role of end users has been
underestimated in this process. The unique relationship that cyclists
develop with the bicycle itself, their co-cyclists, bicycle facilities,
and the urban environment as a result of sensory, kinaesthetic,
symbolic, or even political reasons can assist in designing cycle
facilities that are more efficient and closer to fulfilling the needs
and desires of users. We propose a comprehensive four-step methodology
for cycle network planning, which both accounts for the city structure
and the zones in which higher cycling demand is possible and uses
participative multicriteria GIS processes to incorporate cyclists’ views
with regard to choosing the cycle network segments. Our case study is
Athens, Greece, where cycling facilities are few and heavily fragmented,
although cycling demand has recently grown. This methodology may be
useful for cities attempting to introduce and prioritise cycling
infrastructures because it focuses on determining where cyclists would
prefer to cycle to make such investments more successful in attracting
users.
Keywords: Metropolitan cycle network planning, cycling infrastructure; participative multicriteria GIS analysis; cyclist's views; cycle route choice
Keywords: Metropolitan cycle network planning, cycling infrastructure; participative multicriteria GIS analysis; cyclist's views; cycle route choice
