Research on how to help cyclists plan their journey

Overview

Action 5.6: Investigate the collection and publishing of mapping data of cycling infrastructure located on the principal cycle network to help integrate cycling into journey planning.

Lead agency: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Status: Complete

Achievements

We have investigated ways to help people riding bicycles to plan their journey.

By researching journey planning tools and mapping data currently available, we now have a good understanding of the mapping data that is available for both state and locally controlled cycling infrastructure along the principal cycle network.

Stakeholder consultation and background research looked at the common things people find useful in their apps and mapping tools. We found that people want to know more about suggested routes before planning their journey. For example, they want to know if the route is safe, how to avoid busy roads or if lighting is present for riding at night.

We also found currently available data has some big gaps and that improved mapping of cycling infrastructure located on the principal cycle network is only part of the answer. It is important to understand how bicycle riders experience the transport network by considering not only the presence of cycling infrastructure but also a range of other factors like traffic volumes, speed and road type.

Next steps

We will work with stakeholders to progressively review and improve mapping data to help better integrate cycling into journey planning. This will include a pilot study into methods for better understanding the way bicycle riders experience the transport network in Queensland urban areas.