A Hybrid Model for Evaluating the Bikeability of Urban Bicycle Systems

Abstract

Improving people’s willingness to ride bicycles has become the main green transportation policy of the government in the world. Bikeability is an important factor affecting the willingness to ride. Since the urban riding environment is more complex than the suburbs, it is necessary to establish a complete urban bikeability evaluation framework. This study applies Bayesian BWM (Best Worst Method) and modified VIKOR to develop an urban bikeability evaluation framework. First, this study collects criteria affecting urban bikeability through literature review and experts’ surveys to develop a novel evaluation framework. Second, the Bayesian BWM was used to evaluate the relative weights of criteria and dimensions. Finally, the modified VIKOR was used to evaluate the riding environment of urban bicycle systems. The modified VIKOR replaces the relatively good concept as the aspiration level, which can effectively reflect the real situation. This study used two cities of Taiwan as case studies to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results show that “completeness of facilities” is the most important dimension and “maintenance of bicycle pavements”, “width of bicycle lanes”, and “separation of bicycle lanes and car lanes” are the critical criteria. Based on the findings, some management implications and improving strategies are provided.