Bicycle Opportunity Spectrum: a framework for classifying and categorizing the different landscapes for cycling

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is cycling leisure in various landscapes where different management challenges emerge needing unique, context-specific strategies. Managers must be critical of these landscape nuances to produce suitable planning directives corresponding to the case of these certain environments. In this study, the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) was adapted to the bike activity to create a Bicycle Opportunity Spectrum (BOS) framework. These cycling landscapes were processed into a regional-scale tool based on the compatibilities between landscape types and cyclist needs to produce satisfactory experiences. The development of the tool was based on diverse cycling experiences elaborated during focus group discussions (FGDs). This resulted in a framework of four landscape classifications (Urban, Rural, Natural with Road, and Natural with Trail) and criteria of seven (Bike Route, Path Remoteness, Infrastructure Development, Viewshed, Path Interactivity, Support Facilities and Services, and Pathway Management). The framework was tested by evaluating the cycling landscapes of Taichung City, Taiwan. The results, validated by the FGD participants verified the fitness of the BOS towards evaluating bikeways, creating a tool for bikeway management applicable to various landscape classes.