Develop a bicycle network planning model for urban areas in Sri Lanka: a case study of the university of Moratuwa as the destination

Abstract

The primary goal of this research is to analyze the factors that influence the creation of a successful bicycle network (BN) and the critical role of bicycle network planning (BNP). This study identifies crucial factors that impact the development of BNs. Additionally, qualitative data was collected through a survey to supplement quantitative data. It was discovered that community engagement and collaboration with stakeholder groups, ensuring that the network accommodates the requirements of all users. Another objective of this study is to develop a BN plan for the University of Moratuwa (UoM). By combining Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis with a participatory approach, the study identifies priority routes for cycling. By weighting alternative routes for each Origin Destination (OD) using the equal weighting method and weighted mean formula, some of the identified routes were found to be similar to those currently utilized by cyclists, while others were not. The study also identified areas for improvement by validating the results. The findings of this study can be used by policymakers and city planners to create a more sustainable and equitable transportation system. They cannot solely rely on technical analyses, and there are numerous factors to consider to ensure the success of a BNP.