Societally optimal expansion of bicycle networks

In this paper, the authors consider the problem of expanding bicycle networks over time. The expansion of the network at a given point in time is based on the societal cost–benefit performance, which entails system-wide effects from previous expansions. The problem is challenging due to non-linearities of travel time benefits and the dimension of the problem, which is a consequence of the combinatorial complexity of the networks and the planning horizon. It rules out the use of conventional bottom-up cost–benefit analysis as evaluating even a small set of possible solutions becomes computationally infeasible. To circumvent this problem, the authors introduce a novel reverse geographical mapping approach where the monetary benefits are assigned back onto the network. This allows a more detailed geographical planning breakdown at the level of network links and makes it possible to apply a more stringent optimization approach with respect to the timing and prioritization of network expansions. Based on a linear approximation of travel time savings, the authors propose several variants of mathematical integer programs to solve the problem. This allows us to consider the case of growing a cycle superhighway network in the Copenhagen region over a time horizon of 50 years. The authors show that their approximations of travel time savings are largely similar to those obtained through actual traffic assignment. Furthermore, the optimization approach renders a development plan, which yields a net present value that is ten times larger than that of the actual infrastructure upgrades implemented since 2019. In a long-term scenario, it is shown that their solution returns an accumulated benefit–cost ratio of 2.7 over the period, which is a significant improvement over previous findings. This underlines the importance of optimal prioritization schemes of where and when to invest in bicycle network expansions.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trb.2023.06.002
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191261523000954
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01912615
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Paulsen, Mads
  • 0000-0002-1445-0876
  • Rich, Jeppe
• Publication Date: 2023-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 102778
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part B: Methodological
  • Volume: 174
  • Issue Number: 0
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0191-2615
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01912615

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Bicycle travel; Bikeways; Geographic information systems; Infrastructure; Networks
• Geographic Terms: Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Economics; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01889945
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 2023 8:44AM