Considering Strava data as a tool for planning bicycle- friendly spaces

Abstract

Transportation planning is confronted with various challenges as a result of increasing populations, urbanisation and increasing traffic congestion. The recent "green movement" further urges planners to rethink city planning and transportation planning to enhance public health and sustainability objectives; such include the need to consider Non- Motorised Transport (NMT) as a component of spatial planning approaches. Developing countries face even more complexities, as poverty increases the need of public transport and NMT options. This is also true for South Africa, where the need and role of NMT is increasing. Cycling, as NMT mode, is especially gaining importance, in terms of the benefits it provides to both cities and communities. However, data to substantiate the planning of bicycle- friendly spaces are limited, especially in South Africa, making it difficult to conduct evidence-base-research. In an attempt to enhance the planning of bicycle- friendly spaces within a local South African context, this research considers Strava data (a geo- location mobile service) and related web-based approaches to identify 1) cycling patterns, 2) user (cyclist) preferences and 3) best practices relating to the planning of bicycle- friendly spaces.