A Multi-criteria-Based Methodology for Assessing Alternative Bicycle Lane Implementation Solutions in Urban Networks

摘要

In order for the bicycle usage to be increased, cities need to provide users, inter alia, with high-quality infrastructure. Yet, there is not a generally accepted approach to optimize placemaking of such infrastructure in the urban environment, especially on the micro-level. This paper presents a methodological approach for assessing alternative bicycle lane implementations in urban networks, from a micro perspective. Specifically, a multicriteria analysis-based methodology is proposed, which accounts for specific criteria, including geometric characteristics of road network (i.e. road width and slope), effect on on-street parking supply, public acceptance, land-use and built environment characteristics, etc. These criteria are weighted, in line with their relative importance, by micromobility and sustainable urban mobility experts. This methodology is applied to the city of Karditsa, Greece, where two (2) alternative streets were examined in terms of hosting a different type of bicycle lane that would complement the existing cycle route network. The MCA results suggested that safety forms the major factor that most heavily affect the final placemaking and type of the bicycle lane decision. The proposed methodology could contribute towards successful bicycle routing, forming a useful tool for traffic engineers and local authorities.