A GIS-CA model for planning bikeways upon the footpath network

Abstract

This study proposes a geographic information system (GIS)-based cellular automata (CA) model, which is designed for planning bikeways upon existing footpath networks within an urban area. The CA model was developed based on a GIS platform as a visual interface whereby spatiotemporal characteristics and spatial processing can be combined in a highly effective way. The host value of each CA cell is conditioned upon four indicator variables, namely cycling demand level, land-use nature, social value, and traffic safety. This model gives traffic planners a quick and intuitive framework to develop cycling facilities under limited land resources. A model prototype has been developed in a common desktop GIS and applied to a mid-sized rapidly developing area in Singapore.