A geographic information system (GIS) network data base is used to determine the characteristics of 397 routes used by commuter cyclists in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and to compare them with the shortest-path routes between each origin and destination. The analysis of route data provides useful insight for understanding factors affecting travel behavior and in this case provides quantitative support for many existing assumptions regarding commuter cyclist behavior. Most commuters divert very little from their minimum path (0.4 km on average) and are found to use major road routes. The cyclists tend to avoid grades, grade-separated railway crossings, and high-activity areas, but not road (as opposed to pedestrian) bridges. Cyclists use traffic signals especially for crossing major roadways and turning. The high-quality direct off-road paths are used only infrequently by the commuter cyclists and the lower quality ones even less. The results of this analysis suggest that efforts to accommodate current commuter cyclists should be focused on improving cycling conditions on the road network, such as providing wider curb lanes, or actuated traffic signal detectors that recognize the presence of bicycles. If potential new commuters are similar to the minority of current commuter cyclists in this study who use mainly local roads, paths or trails, then projects that make the network of local roads and pathways more connective and direct may encourage a higher level of commuter cycling.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Analysis of Bicycle Commuter Routes Using Geographic Information Systems: Implications for Bicycle Planning


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1997-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Using Geographic Information Systems to Plan On-street Bicycle Routes

    Mefford, C. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995


    Promoting Bicycle Commuter Safety

    A. Osland / D. E. Czerwinski / C. S. Johnson et al. | NTIS | 2012


    Papers - Toronto bicycle commuter safety rates

    Aultman-Hall, Lisa | Online Contents | 1999


    System for tracking bicycle commuter activity

    STEEGE HANS / SCHOLTZ ROLF / KLOTZBACH COLIN et al. | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access