BikeNodePlanner: a data-driven decision support tool for bicycle node network planning

TL;DR

BikeNodePlanner is an open-source tool that aids in planning bicycle node networks by evaluating various geographic and infrastructural metrics, promoting sustainable tourism and rural cycling.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, open-source decision support tool integrated with QGIS for data-driven bicycle network planning, filling a gap in formalized methodologies.

Findings

Enables evaluation of bicycle network plans using multiple metrics

Supports regional planning and cycling tourism initiatives

Facilitates cost-effective and flexible network implementation

Abstract

A bicycle node network is a wayfinding system targeted at recreational cyclists, consisting of numbered signposts placed alongside already existing infrastructure. Bicycle node networks are becoming increasingly popular as they encourage sustainable tourism and rural cycling, while also being flexible and cost-effective to implement. However, the lack of a formalized methodology and data-driven tools for the planning of such networks is a hindrance to their adaptation on a larger scale. To address this need, we present the BikeNodePlanner: a fully open-source decision support tool, consisting of modular Python scripts to be run in the free and open-source geographic information system QGIS. The BikeNodePlanner allows the user to evaluate and compare bicycle node network plans through a wide range of metrics, such as land use, proximity to points of interest, and elevation across the network. The BikeNodePlanner provides data-driven decision support for bicycle node network planning, and can hence be of great use for regional planning, cycling tourism, and the promotion of rural cycling.