Adding cycling quality factors to routing and mode choice in a multi-modal model
Seminar
Day 3 (15 Sep 2021), Session 7, ACTIVE TRAVEL MODELLING, 10:00 - 12:00
Status
Accepted, awaiting documents
Submitted by / Abstract owner
Antonio Sposaro
Authors
Antonio Sposaro and Nicola Price
Short abstract
Multi-modal models often ignore active travel options, or at best consider only distance-based effects. We present a county-wide model for which cycle routing and quality factors have been added, calibrated to observed behaviour.
Abstract
Cambridge famously has some of the highest rates of cycling in the UK, and the importance of cycling as a travel model has long been recognised in transport modelling and appraisal in the area. The Cambridge Sub Regional Model (CSRM) originally completed in 2009 incorporated both walk and cycle as separate travel modes, and also both walk and cycle networks with full assignment. This model structure has been successful in incorporating the impact of improved cycling provision, including new cycle links. However, as with most models the ‘generalised journey time’ for both walking and cycling has up to now been directly related to network distance.
This arrangement is simple to implement, but means improvements to quality such as segregated cycle paths would not be recognised by the model as increasing mode share unless distances are shortened. Cambridgeshire are currently investing in a network of ‘Greenways’ which will link Cambridge to outlying settlements and improve the quality of cycling provision throughout the City.
This presentation will describe work to introduce quality-based routing and generalised journey times into CSRM. Various methods for representing quality factors were reviewed and will be described, along with the finally selected approach. An innovative approach was taken to calibrate route choice, and in particular distance vs quality trade-offs using routing data available from Strava. Though Strava is often seen as biased in relation to cycling counts or origin-destinations, it was found that when routing alone is considered there is much useful data.
This paper will be of interest to anyone seeking to consider the impact of investment in cycling infrastructure on mode shares, and the likely return on quality-focused investment.
Programme committee
Transport Models
Documents:
No documents yet.
