Bicycle Route Choice: GPS Data Collection and Travel Model Development--Year 1 (2012-13). Final Project Report

摘要

Bicycle use is being promoted for a variety of social benefits. Persons who choose to bicycle on a regular basis for commute or other purposes receive benefits in the form of lower obesity rates and other health improvements, and in lower transportation costs (Dill 2009; Frank et al. 2006; Sallis et al. 2004). In addition, society as a whole benefits from an increase in cycling. As people shift modes from automobiles to bicycles, additional capacity is available on the roadways relieving congestion. Further, as those who choose to bicycle become healthier, they present less of a burden on the health care system, reducing overall health care costs (Sturm 2002). Because of the benefits associated with bicycling, jurisdictions across the central Puget Sound region and the nation have been investing in improvements to bicycle infrastructure. The improvements range from inexpensive tools such as painted sharrows on arterials and road rechannelization projects, to more costly greenways and separated off-road facilities. While investments in bicycle infrastructure are far less costly than traditional roadway or transit improvements, jurisdictions must decide how to best invest limited resources.