GIS-Based Geospatial Data Analysis: the Security of Cycle Paths in Modena

Abstract

The use of fossil fuels is contributing to the global climate crisis and is threatening the sustainability of the planet. Bicycles are a vital component of the solution, as they can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the quality of life for all. However, cities need to be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support their use guaranteeing safety for cyclists. Moreover, cyclists should plan their route considering the level of security associated with the different available options to reach their destination. The paper tests and presents a method that aims to integrate geographical data from various sources with different geometries and formats into a single view of the cycle paths in the province of Modena, Italy. The Geographic Information System (GIS) software functionalities have been exploited to classify paths in 5 categories: from protected bike lanes to streets with no bike infrastructure. The type of traffic that co-exists in each cycle path was analysed too. The main outcome of this research is a visualization of the cycle paths in the province of Modena highlighting the security of paths, the discontinuity of the routes, and the less covered areas. Moreover, a cycle paths graph data model was generated to perform routing based on the security level.