External link: http://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/10.3141/2443-13
Publication date: December 1, 2014
Capsule summary: This paper creates a model framework for collecting data and conducting future studies on bicycle usage.
Author(s): Gosse, C Alec; Clarens, Andres
Publisher(s): TRB
Definition: The maintenance and advancement of traffic operation systems
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Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
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Definition: Data analysis techniques for transportation planning
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Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
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Definition: A large urban area
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Definition: Article from an academic or professional journal
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Description: Bicycle usage has many benefits: increased usage is good for people’s health and in the long run has a positive economic impact by saving money in other methods of transport. Investment in bicycle infrastructure is important in taking a step towards the benefits. Actual implementation and development of such needed infrastructure is very simple but there are many options for infrastructure and effectiveness depends on how well the infrastructure caters to the needs of that community. In order to make the right investment, analysis of the traffic patterns, current infrastructure, and other factors must be taken into account. There is a lack in such data because unlike automobile usage, bicycle usage is very dependent on the smallest details of infrastructure- and any change can cause massive disruption in bicycle usage. These factors must be taken into account for data collection plans.
Objectives: This paper uses observations and data collected from a Charlottesville, VA as a model to highlight the use of this new data analysis framework. The goal is to create a method that allows data to remain up to date as things change with the current infrastructure and traffic behaviors so that future need is accurately assessed. The framework provided by the paper serves as an example for use in other areas that are looking for similar methods for determining how to invest funding for bicycle infrastructure.
Findings: Data analysis is vital for any type of transportation planning. But the lack in data is also very impactful. The model used in this paper serves an example of an effective method to supplement the current data with important and up to date information in order to make the right investments in development and planning.
Recommendations: The paper recommends there to be a continuation of such in depth data analysis. It also recommends that future studies look into small roads - which currently have very scarce amount of data - because these are popular routes for bicyclists but get very little attention in the data collection process. Having data from small roads will help gain a more holistic understanding of needs.
Research Theme: Innovative Data Analysis, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit, Traffic Operations
Community Type: City, Small City
Transportation Mode:
Planning Scope:
Organization Type: City, MPO or RPO
Planning Subject: Analysis, Evaluation and Assessment, Forecasting, Network Analysis, Planning Methods, Strategic Planning