Citation

LaMondia JJ, Moore N. Transp. Res. Rec. 2015; 2520: 123-131.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2520-14

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study used infrastructure and cyclist survey data from Auburn, Alabama, to compare the rankings of common bicycle level-of-service (LOS) measures, perceived bicycle route suitability for different types of cyclists, and roadway characteristics. Specifically, four common types of bicycle LOS measures were identified, and a representative measure from each was calculated for all the major roadway segments within the city. Additionally, results from a survey of cyclists on the perceived bicycle route suitability were collected and summarized. The comparisons highlighted a surprising disconnection between LOS measures and suitability. Namely, suitability was perceived to be the same across different types of cyclists, but those segments that were ranked highly suitable did not correspond to those with high levels of service. Additionally, suitability was evaluated in terms of routes, whereas LOS rankings treated segments independently. The distribution of suitability and LOS rankings were significantly different as well: suitability had a few highly suitable routes and an increasing number of less-suitable locations, but the different LOS measures had varying distributions of what was acceptable or not. Significant recommendations are made on how city and regional transportation planners may make better-informed decisions about bicycle facility improvements.

Language: en