Effects of on-street parking on cyclist route choice and the operational behavior of cyclists and motorists.
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2009-04-01
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Abstract:Because of the serious societal, environmental, economic, and public health problems associated with motorized
transportation, there is increased interest in encouraging non-motorized modes of travel. The current study contributes toward this
objective in two ways. First, it evaluates the operational impacts of bicycling adjacent to on-street parking. Second, it identifies
the importance of attributes influencing bicyclists’ route choice preferences. The importance of evaluating both operations and
individual preferences at the same time is the interrelationship between the two; poorly designed roadways may encourage
cyclists to leave designated bicycle routes.
Operationally, this study examines field data that was collected in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio and resulted in
over 6,400 observations of motorists and/or cyclists adjacent to on-street parking. From the data, multivariate regression models
were developed to predict the motorist’s and cyclist’s position on the roadway and the probability of motor vehicle encroachment.
The models indicate that on-street parking has a significant impact on motorist and cyclist position; a bike lane combined with a
buffer space is the only way to completely remove cyclists from the door zone, and operationally, a bicycle lane is more effective
than a wide outside lane. As a result of the study, the Texas Guide for Planned and Retrofit Bike Facilities was updated to include
on-street parking.
In evaluating route choice, the study specifically examines a comprehensive set of attributes that influence bicycle route
choice, including: (1) bicyclists’ characteristics, (2) on-street parking, (3) bicycle facility type and amenities, (4) roadway
physical characteristics, (5) roadway functional characteristics, and (6) roadway operational characteristics. The data used in the
analysis is drawn from a web-based stated preference survey of Texas bicyclists. The results of the study emphasize the
importance of a comprehensive evaluation of both route-related attributes and bicyclists’ demographics in bicycle route choice
decisions. The empirical models indicate that travel time is the most important attribute for commuters in choosing their routes.
These factors also impact bicyclists’ route choice: traffic volume; speed limit; on-street parking characteristics; bicycle route
continuity; number of stop signs, red lights, and cross streets; and roadway terrain.
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