Workshop TR 3.2, Tuesday  20 June, 16.00 - 17.30

Modelling use

Matti Keränen   The requirements of modelling bicycle traffic The presentation shows the work which has been done in Finland last autumn. A project group of Viatek, Helsinki University of Technology and Technical Research Center of Finland is evaluating factors and methods of bicycling in the sense of traffic and transportation modelling. The method is to study empirical data from interviews and other studies made for transportation plans from five different cities in Finland. In the work we are finding out why in some areas the share of biking is bigger than in other areas, what is the relevance of transportation infrastructure, land use, level of bicycle infrastructure in biking and does different socio-economic groups of people have differences in the use of bicycle. From the results of the empirical data analyses we examine mathematical transportation models and give our conclusions of the factors which have to be included in the models in order to better include bicycle as a mode among others as car and public transport. Biking has its special characteristics and the normal factors used in modelling does not take into account bicycle as well as they should. Also we give recommendations for future research and give guidelines which factors has to be studied in field studies and questionnaires to facilitate biking in modelling work. This project concentrates on modelling requirements and the reason for this is to promote bicycle traffic in transportation planning process at city level. To have bicycle as a valid mode in models gives possibilities for better estimates of socio-economic savings as a result from increased share of biking.

Gillian Thomas and Petra Staats, Transportation Policy Institute Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick A Bicycle Accident Study - Using GIS Mapping and Analysis With an oral presentation at Velo Mondial in Amsterdam we would like to point out the benefits of applying GIS (Geographic Information System) technology for accident data analysis that involve bicyclists. Using GIS enables us to integrate mapping analysis into decision support for bicycle network planning. It provides a strong tool and support for communities and municipalities to make improvements for bicycle commuting. As part of our commitment to create bicycle and pedestrian friendly communities, our center has recently established using GIS technology to identify critical locations and accident "hot-spots". We are currently presenting our results to various interested communities and municipalities in New Jersey. The purpose of applying GIS technology is to show that accidents involving bicyclists can be directly associated with road design and conditions. We include a photographic presentation to visualize the problems of design and road conditions. Based on the analysis and the consideration of engineering- and design factors, we develop recommendations for improvements. We use photo simulation to demonstrate choices of improvements to assist decision-making processes. The presentation gives an introduction of how to apply the technology, data gathering and our method of evaluating locations. We also highlight problems of applying the technology such as the lack of data. We emphasize the importance of comprehensive data collection, which is still a major problem in the State because of the lack of recognition of bicyclists needs. In addition to the visual approach, our presentation further emphasizes on the importance of bicycling in conjunction with economic and environmental benefits, air quality, safety and overall livability.