Park ‘n’ Roll: Identifying and Prioritizing Locations for New Bicycle Parking in Québec City, Canada

Abstract

Promoting active modes of transportation, such as cycling, is an ongoing challenge faced by many cities around the world. Fostering a bicycle culture in an auto-dominant region is riddled with challenges, but success has been achieved with investments in bicycle infrastructure, including bicycle parking. This study presents a new methodology to identify the optimal locations to install short-term (bicycle racks) and long-term (bicycle lockers or indoor locking facilities) bicycle parking using a GIS-based approach that considers multiple criteria. Using Québec City, Canada, as a case study, our methodology considers multiple criteria related to the demand for bicycle parking, including the destinations of existing and potential cyclists and proximity to a frequent bus service. A prioritization index is developed to identify the optimal locations for long-term and short-term bicycle parking. This is followed by a recommendation of the number of bicycle parking spaces required to meet existing and potential demand. This paper aims to provide practitioners with an easy-to-use method to aid in the planning of new bicycle parking infrastructure, which is designed to be flexible and adaptable to other contexts.