Measuring Bicycle Compatibility in the Urban Environment: a Study of Calgary

Cities are interested in providing facilities thatpermit their citizens to maximize the mobilityoptions available to them, make efficient use of thetransportation network, and enjoy a high quality oflife. Measuring the bicyclecompatibility of existing streets is critical tounderstanding how the current network can accommodatecyclists. This Masters Degree Project examines one method bywhich to assess cyclist compatibility, using anoperational model developed by a traffic engineer. This case study modifies an existing model forapplication to Calgary, by specializing it for urbanconditions. When applied to the downtown core ofCalgary, the model is used to recommend the mostcycling-friendly streets in an area which had nodesignated routes or facilities intended for cyclists. The model also serves to identify specific problemlocations and recommends ways in which thesedifficulties can be resolved. The paper includes adiscussion of the applicability of this operationaltype model and its usefulness in identifyingroutes in urban areas that best serve the needs ofcyclists.