Prioritizing active transport network investment using locational accessibility

Abstract

This research explores prioritizing network investment to improve walking and biking access in a suburban area with a poorly connected street network. This study's methods provide a systematic approach to design and prioritize the potential links to improve active travel in the suburban environment. An access-oriented ranking system is proposed to prioritize the contribution of links in two evaluation processes for different travel time thresholds. One of the developing suburbs in Sydney is selected as the case study, and a list of potential links is identified. Results indicate that links with the highest added access per unit of cost are the links that have the highest impact if all links are built. However, the locational network structure surrounding the point of interest may affect the order. For a radial network, closer links lead to higher access, while for a tree-like network structure, connecting branches improve access significantly. Also, farther potential links are significantly dependent on the closer links in increasing accessibility for a specific location. This suggests that in order to utilize the network, there should be a sequence in constructing the potential links. The application of access-oriented network investment is also discussed.

Keywords

• walking
• biking
• street network
• accessibility
• urban planning