Title:
Breaking Myths behind "Bikelash": Empirical analyses on the role of protected bike lanes on creating a sustainable, equitable, and safer transportation environment
Breaking Myths behind "Bikelash": Empirical analyses on the role of protected bike lanes on creating a sustainable, equitable, and safer transportation environment
Author(s)
Hwang, Uijeong
Advisor(s)
Guhathakurta, Subhrajit
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Abstract
While cycling is recognized as an eco-friendly alternative to carbon-emitting vehicles and a facilitator of physical activity, opposition to cyclists and bike lanes—termed “bikelash”—persists. This resistance stems from various concerns, ranging from the belief that bike lanes are underutilized and thus a waste of public space to fears that they may exacerbate traffic congestion or even contribute to urban gentrification. Through three detailed studies, this dissertation aims to provide empirical evidence challenging common perceptions and to reshape the narrative surrounding bike lanes.
The first study investigates how bike lanes sway individuals' transportation choices, especially favoring non-automotive travel. It employs a novel approach by conducting a route-level analysis using origin-destination data from household travel surveys to simulate potential cycling routes. This study finds that bike lanes significantly encourage the use of walking, cycling, and public transit, thereby reducing car dependency. Notably, it demonstrates the potential of bike lanes to bridge mobility gaps in diverse socio-economic settings, even in underserved neighborhoods.
The second study examines how the perception of streetscapes and different types of bike lanes interact to influence cycling behaviors. Utilizing computer vision to interpret perceptual attributes from crowdsourced street view images, the research reveals that the presence and type of bike lanes significantly influence cycling frequency, moderated by the visual perception of streetscape safety. Protected bike lanes are shown to be more effective in areas perceived as less safe, emphasizing their role in equitable transportation.
The final paper delves into the safety impact of bike lanes, particularly focusing on near-miss incidents. It utilizes crowdsourced data to examine the risk of near misses in relation to street design and types of bike lanes. The findings indicate that protected bike lanes significantly reduce the risk of near misses, while striped lanes adjacent to street parking increase safety hazards. This challenges existing assumptions about bike lane safety and calls for a strategic shift towards protected bike lanes.
This dissertation contributes to practical applications by providing critical empirical evidence to guide urban infrastructure planning and policymaking. The findings support a shift towards protected bike lanes, emphasizing their role in enhancing safety and increasing cycling frequency. The dissertation advocates for a holistic approach in urban transportation planning, promoting inclusive, sustainable, and safer urban environments.
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Date Issued
2023-12-10
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Text
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Dissertation