Using Crowdsourcing to Prioritize Bicycle Route Network Improvements

016412272017FINAL REPORTPDFTech Report2013-083Bicycle facilitiesConsumer preferencesCyclistsMobile applicationsRoute choiceStrategic planningSuburbsUrban areasData and Information TechnologyPedestrians and BicyclistsPlanning and ForecastingGeorgiaUnited StatesSoutheastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)LaMondia, JeffreyWatkins, KariSoutheastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)Auburn UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyUniversity Transportation Centers Program (U.S.)United States. Dept. of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and TechnologyNTL-PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLES-BicyclesUS Transportation CollectionAs the emphasis placed on cycling as a means of transportation is increasing in the United States, so is the need for adequate facilities that provide cyclists with a comfortable and connected facility. In order for these facilities to be built and encourage community residents to cycle, the city planners and engineers need to understand what type of facilities are appropriate and where they should be placed. This report uses data collected using the Strava, CycleDixie and CycleAtlanta crowdsourced cycling smartphone applications to determine factors that influence route choice. Specifically, these factors are studied through a) modeling cycling facility prioritization preferences, b) modeling cycling route segment and path choices, and c) developing route suitability score and preference models. This comprehensive research uniquely includes work from both suburban areas, represented by Auburn, AL and urban cores, represented by Atlanta, GA. From the analyses it was found that demographics, roadway characteristics and surrounding land-use had a significant impact on whether a particular street segment would be used. vii