Bikeability of road segments: An open, adjustable and extendible model

Abstract

Providing adequate infrastructure for cycling is crucial for increasing its modal share and for supporting the shift towards sustainable mobility. To foster well-targeted, efficient, and effective improvements of infrastructure in favor of cycling, we need data and methods for assessing its current state in an automated, scalable, and reproducible way. Present models are limited due to dependency on proprietary and/or scarce data, being closed-source and not taking into account the many nuances of bikeability on segment scale. Therefore, we propose an open, adjustable, and extendible model of bikeability that relies on open and globally available data sets. It allows to consider aspects of safety, comfort, and the immediate environment. Results from an evaluation study show its applicability while underlining the importance of considering diversity in regional, individual, and purpose-related mobility demands. Future bikeability research may be informed by results of the online survey conducted as part of the evaluation study. The proposed bikeability model can form the foundation for advanced network and accessibility analysis and serves as an important information layer for decision making.