Bike oriented development: Selecting locations for cycle stations through a spatial approach

The benefits of cycling as mode of transport are well known. It contributes to the reduction of environmental pollution, climate change impacts and traffic congestion, and to the improvement of safety, well-being and health of citizens and transport affordability of low-income population. Moreover, cycling has the potential to enhance co-modality, when used in combination with public transit. The pursue of all these advantages is dependent on the availability of an effective cycle network and bicycle parking, well designed to satisfy users' accessibility needs, while guaranteeing adequate safety and security against the risk of bicycle theft. The aim of this study is to provide a spatial multicriteria GIS-based method for the prioritization of locations of the cycle stations within an urban area, in combination with the design of a cycle network. The method takes into account spatial data related to socio-economic information, public transport accessibility, attractiveness and presence of points of interest. The methodology is applied to Catania, a medium-sized city in the south of Italy, with poor cycle infrastructures, very far from European bike ridership and a strong car dependency, even for short trips. The methodology proves its ability to propose suitable locations for cycle stations so to effectively integrate the cycle network and its capability to connect main origins to destinations, while ensuring safety of riders.