Developing Participatory Analytics Techniques to Inform the Prioritisation of Cycling Infrastructure

Oliver Lock,Christopher Pettit

doi:10.3390/ijgi11020078

Abstract

The planning of bicycle infrastructure across our cities remains a complex task involving many key stakeholders, including the community, who traditionally have had limited involvement in the planning process. This research develops an interactive bicycle prioritisation index tool which includes participatory spatial and textual citizen feedback. The research involves three components. Firstly, results of a survey of current cyclists in Sydney (n = 280), their current level of participation, priorities in investment in cycling and preferred locations for cycling infrastructure. This survey was undertaken between May and June 2020. Secondly, it documents the development of an interactive, digital bicycle planning tool which is informed through citizen feedback. Thirdly, it evaluates the approach in conversation with potential end-users, including government, planning practitioners, and advocacy group members. A clear preference for active participation mechanisms (86%) was articulated by current cyclists, as opposed to a reliance on the existing data available and passive data. The resulting tool was understood by interview participants and documented both existing utility and future work needed for practical implementation of similar systems. The research proposes the combination of multiple passive and active data traces with end-user evaluation to legitimise the citizen co-design of bicycle investment prioritisation initiatives. A case study approach was taken, focusing on the city of Sydney, Australia. The bicycle planning support system can be used by cities when engaging in cycle prioritisation initiatives, particularly with a focus on integrating citizen feedback and navigating the new and complex data landscapes introduced through recent, passively collected big data sets.

Highlights

All aspects of human life in cities rely on efficient and equitable transport
Given the preference for active participation shown by participants, it was unsurprising that the results revealed a general dissatisfaction with existing participation mechanisms—
As many cities around the world grapple with the challenge of improving active transport infrastructure, there is an increasing need for both participatory and evidence-based planning tools which can be used to retrofit our cities with better bicycle infrastructure

Summary

Introduction

All aspects of human life in cities rely on efficient and equitable transport. Without it, people cannot access employment, essential services, such as health and education, goods, such as fresh food, or each other to form the strong relationships which increase the economic productivity of society, our safety and our wellbeing. The process of data analysis is commonly perceived to be a highly skilled activity that requires training in specific tools, as well as a high level of literacy and numeracy to do well. Rather than adopting a deficit model (i.e., considering community members to lack skills or knowledge in particular areas), many researchers are finding ways to build on the wealth of community knowledge by engaging them in accessible analysis opportunities [11] The field of visual analytics explores how visual interactive interfaces can support analytical reasoning [13] In this context, the purposeful and opportunistic use of data for better city planning should be considered

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion