Bicycle Network Design
Model for Urban Areas
Overview
• Background and Motivation
• Literature Review
• Research Objective and Framework
• Bicycle Network Design Model
• Solution Method
• References
FR
Background and Motivation
• The transportation sector is one of the major contributors to global CO₂ emissions. In
2023, private cars and vans alone accounted for approximately 10% of global energy-
related CO₂ emissions (International Energy Agency, 2023).
• Sustainable transportation strategies that promote active mobilities such as cycling
can play a significant role in reducing these emissions. In addition to environmental
benefits, cycling also promotes public health and helps reduce traffic-related injuries.
• The World Health Organization has recognized cycling as “a simple, affordable,
reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transport, fostering
environmental stewardship and health” (WHO, 2025).
• New Zealand, through its national transport strategies, prioritizes cycling as a vital
component of sustainable transport, recognizing its contributions to emissions
reduction, public health, and urban liveability (Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency,
2023).
FR
Research Objective Research Framework
Bicycle Network Design Model
Construction
“To develop a bilevel
optimization model
incorporating realistic route Solution Algorithm Design
choice behaviour of cyclists”
Numerical experiments
to demonstrate the effectiveness
of proposed model and solution
Bilevel Bicycle FR
Network
Design Model
Upper Level
min 𝑓 1 ( 𝑥 , 𝑦)
𝑥
Upper-level decisions Lower-level decisions
affecting lower-level
problems.
𝑥 𝑦 affecting upper-level
problems.
Lower Level
min 𝑓 2 ( 𝑥 , 𝑦)
𝑦
Solution Method FR
Start Population Initialization
Lower-level model (Bicycle and vehicle assignment)
Calculate the upper-level objective function
Choose the
next individual Perform
Is there any selection,
Yes
individual left in crossover and
the generation? mutation to
Genetic Algorithm
No produce new
generation
Identify the best individual in the generation
Is the
convergence No
criteria
satisfied?
Yes
Identify the best individual in the run End 6
FR
References
• Aziz, H. A., Nagle, N. N., Morton, A. M., Hilliard, M. R., White, D. A., & Stewart, R. N. (2018). Exploring the impact of walk–bike infrastructure, safety perception, and built-
environment on active transportation mode choice: a random parameter model using New York City commuter data. Transportation, 45, 1207-1229.
• Buehler, R., & Dill, J. (2016). Bikeway networks: A review of effects on cycling. Transport reviews, 36(1), 9-27. Liu, S., Siddiq, A., & Zhang, J. (2024). Planning bike lanes with data:
Ridership, congestion, and path selection. Management Science.
• Buehler, R., & Pucher, J. (2012). Cycling to work in 90 large American cities: new evidence on the role of bike paths and lanes. Transportation, 39, 409-432.
• Caggiani, L., Camporeale, R., Binetti, M., & Ottomanelli, M. (2019). An urban bikeway network design model for inclusive and equitable transport policies. Transportation Research
Procedia, 37(September 2018), 59–66. [Link]
• Duthie, J., & Unnikrishnan, A. (2014). Optimization framework for bicycle network design. Journal of Transportation Engineering, 140(7), 1–8.
[Link]
• International Energy Agency. (2023). Cars and vans. IEA. [Link]
• Liu, H., Szeto, W. Y., & Long, J. (2019). Bike network design problem with a path-size logit-based equilibrium constraint: Formulation, global optimization, and matheuristic.
Transportation research part E: logistics and transportation review, 127, 284-307.
• Lin, J. J., & Yu, C. J. (2013). A bikeway network design model for urban areas. Transportation, 40, 45-68.
• Mauttone, A., Mercadante, G., Rabaza, M., & Toledo, F. (2017). Bicycle network design: Model and solution algorithm. Transportation Research Procedia, 27, 969–976.
[Link]
• Mesbah, M., Thompson, R., & Moridpour, S. (2012). Bilevel optimization approach to design of network of bike lanes. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the
Transportation Research Board, 2284, 21–28. [Link]
• Ospina, J. P., Duque, J. C., Botero-Fernández, V., & Montoya, A. (2022). The maximal covering bicycle network design problem. Transportation research part A: policy and
practice, 159, 222-236.
• Pedroso, F. E., Angriman, F., Bellows, A. L., & Taylor, K. (2016). Bicycle use and cyclist safety following Boston’s bicycle infrastructure expansion, 2009–2012. American journal of
public health, 106(12), 2171-2177.
• Schoner, Jessica E., and David M. Levinson. "The missing link: Bicycle infrastructure networks and ridership in 74 US cities." Transportation 41 (2014): 1187-1204.
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. (2023). Waka Kotahi Cycling Action Plan. Retrieved from [Link]
plan/[Link]
Thank You…
