Abstract

Bicycling and walking are essential elements of sustainable transportation. These transportation modes effectively reduce the negative environmental impacts of transport and improve the quality of life. It is not only recognized by governments but also naturally become more prevalent in modern society. Nowadays research on bicycling and interest in related topics is dramatically increasing, but while researchers focus on modern technologies and collecting data from portable devices, there are quite a few studies on the effectiveness of investments in bicycle infrastructure, and even less discussed is a question how to set the priorities for construction works of the bicycle path network. To fill this gap this paper presents the universal method of ranking the priorities for development and renewal of bicycle pathway segments. The process is realized by hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Additive Ratio ASsessment with Fuzzy (ARAS-F) model, based on Eckenrode rating. Given criteria and their weights apply only to the specifics of this case study, and it need adaptation if used for other territories. Presented case study gives insight into the task of upgrading bicycle networks – how to overcome the inequalities, fragmentation and build missing links. Developed hybrid MCDM model integrated into Geographic Information System (GIS) allows quickly find rationally balanced solutions and develop bicycle network in efficient way.

Highlights

  • Transportation, behind electricity, is the second major contributor of ever-increasing CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions (27% of emissions)

  • Nowadays research on bicycling and interest in related topics is dramatically increasing, but while researchers focus on modern technologies and collecting data from portable devices, there are quite a few studies on the effectiveness of investments in bicycle infrastructure, and even less discussed is a question how to set the priorities for construction works of the bicycle path network

  • The process is realized by hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Additive Ratio ASsessment with Fuzzy (ARAS-F) model, based on Eckenrode rating

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Summary

Introduction

Transportation, behind electricity, is the second major contributor of ever-increasing CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions (27% of emissions). Near half of the transportation greenhouse gas emissions are from cars and trucks. Great volumes of motorized traffic reduce air quality and create noise in sensible urban environment. Car uses up to 10 times more street area than a bicycle and creates the problem of congestion in usually already limited urban spaces. In a dense urban environment, cars are regarded as an unsustainable mode of transportation, and alternative options, such as bicycles, are being put at a higher priority. As the climate change issue rises, bicycle planning becomes more prevalent in urban planning and transportation planning. While the number of vehicles is rapidly growing, the urban planners and transportation planners are attempting to change people’s travel mode selection to less energy-intensive modes, cycling

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