Assessing bikeability with street view imagery and computer vision

TL;DR

This paper develops a comprehensive bikeability index using street view imagery and computer vision, demonstrating that these technologies can effectively evaluate cycling conditions across different cities and potentially replace traditional methods.

Contribution

It introduces an exhaustive bikeability index based on 34 indicators and demonstrates the effectiveness of SVI and CV in assessing urban bikeability comprehensively.

Findings

SVI and CV outperform traditional methods in bikeability assessment.

SVI indicators alone can effectively evaluate urban bikeability.

Combining SVI and non-SVI approaches yields the most accurate results.

Abstract

Studies evaluating bikeability usually compute spatial indicators shaping cycling conditions and conflate them in a quantitative index. Much research involves site visits or conventional geospatial approaches, and few studies have leveraged street view imagery (SVI) for conducting virtual audits. These have assessed a limited range of aspects, and not all have been automated using computer vision (CV). Furthermore, studies have not yet zeroed in on gauging the usability of these technologies thoroughly. We investigate, with experiments at a fine spatial scale and across multiple geographies (Singapore and Tokyo), whether we can use SVI and CV to assess bikeability comprehensively. Extending related work, we develop an exhaustive index of bikeability composed of 34 indicators. The results suggest that SVI and CV are adequate to evaluate bikeability in cities comprehensively. As they outperformed non-SVI counterparts by a wide margin, SVI indicators are also found to be superior in assessing urban bikeability, and potentially can be used independently, replacing traditional techniques. However, the paper exposes some limitations, suggesting that the best way forward is combining both SVI and non-SVI approaches. The new bikeability index presents a contribution in transportation and urban analytics, and it is scalable to assess cycling appeal widely.