-Niyatha Balan, Debapratim Pandit

Conference: World Conference on Transport Research Society 2023

Abstract: Provision of dedicated bicycling infrastructure in transit catchments ensure safe and convenient access to metro stations. These are challenging to provide in congested urban areas and can be constructed around stations up to a certain extent. This research identifies the four parametric logistic (4PL) curve as the appropriate distance decay (DD) function to capture the cycle ridership variation with distance from the station. The trip length range corresponding to the maximum rate of increase in ridership governed by upper and lower bend points of the curve rationally delineates the region where infrastructure provision is likely to yield maximum patronage. We also test and prove the hypothesis that rail alignment, station location and spacing also affects the bicycling service area. This is achieved by dividing the catchment area into six radial sectors based on its adjacency to the metro line and estimating the bend points on the curve for each sector. 

-Niyatha Balan, Debapratim Pandit

Conference: 15th Eastern Asia Society for Transportaton Studies Conference

Abstract: Bicycle level of service (BLOS) models help in prioritising route segments based on user’s satisfaction with various criteria such as traffic conditions, road characteristics, built environment characteristics etc. While few researchers have acknowledged the heterogeneity in the effect of various factors on BLOS for varying trip purposes, cycling experience etc., the present research considers the heterogeneity in user perception for the various BLOS criteria for route segments across different distance bands around the metro station particularly for transit access trips in mixed traffic conditions. Completely segregated/protected bicycling infrastructure provision is not possible in many road segments particularly in congested areas and simple mixed traffic bikeways with markings and other infrastructure provision facilitating bicycling is the only option. The BLOS models are established using Ordered Probit (OP) regression using user perception data collected at three metro stations of Kolkata, India on the perceived BLOS factors characterising the route segments. Separate BLOS models are developed for the route segment falling in the distance band just around the metro station and close to the trip origins. The BLOS thresholds can be used in the identification of route segments suitable for bicycling in these distance bands.  The study also analyses the effect of improvement of any specific BLOS criteria on the overall BLOS of a route segment. This helps in understanding the effect of different infrastructure provision for only the identified route segment which is particularly important considering the difficulty in implementing these improvements such as reclaiming the right of way from encroachments etc. The results of our study justify the need for separate BLOS models at different distance bands of a transit station which could be adopted for mixed traffic bikeways for transit access trips.

-Niyatha Balan, Debapratim Pandit

Journal: Institute of Urban Transport Journal

Presented in the 14th Urban Mobility India Conference 2021

Abstract: Bicycle-metro integration increases the transit catchment area and reduces traffic congestion and environmental externalities.  Multiple factors, including the traffic condition along a route, infrastructure characteristics including the road and intersection characteristics, route end facilities and its status and exogenous factors such as topography, weather etc., affect the safety and comfort perception concerning a bicycling-transit trip. So, a dynamic bicycle route recommendation system suggesting routes based on various factors, including real-time traffic volume, traffic speed, bicycle parking availability etc., can enhance bicycling in transit catchments. These systems enable route suggestion that minimizes travel along routes with a low bicycle level of service (BLOS) and allows personal preferences concerning different factors to influence route selection. For example, an uphill route can be avoided, or a route with many pedestrians can be avoided to reduce the infection risk during the Covid-19 pandemic. While road segment based BLOS is widely studied, the route based BLOS evaluation considering multiple road segments and intersections is limited, especially in the Indian context. So, this study reviews the existing bicycle route recommendation studies to understand effective indicators influencing the dynamic route recommendation for cycle-transit access and egress trips, including the relevant route based BLOS indicators. The study identifies that most methods are data-intensive and demands crowdsourcing data or real-time data. Thus, it recognizes the importance of authorities to collect and share traffic-related data to facilitate a dynamic route recommendation system. This can also benefit decision-makers to plan for appropriate bicycle infrastructure.

-Deepa Sharma, Niyatha Balan, Debapratim Pandit

Journal:  4th National Conference on Traffic Technologies Proceedings

Presented in the 4th National Conference on Traffic Technologies

Abstract: Safety concerning bicycling, such as the risk of collision, is a major factor concerning bicycle use. Non-motorized vehicle users are the most vulnerable and worse affected by road accidents. While bicycle infrastructure provision is identified as an effective strategy to address this issue, the current stock of such bicycle infrastructure is inadequate and often not well planned and designed in the Indian cities. This study identifies the various factors affecting bicycling safety in mixed traffic conditions typically characterizing the Indian roads. The study reviews the existing bicycle infrastructure planning approaches and the design strategies for ensuring their suitability in the Indian context. All the relevant aspects concerning bicycle use have to be addressed, along with promoting cycling safety for facilitating bicycle use. The study suggests how Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) models can be effectively used in selecting and prioritizing routes for various levels of segregation along with consideration of demand and the relevant practical constraints. Specific design solutions are also presented in the study towards achieving safe bicycle infrastructure provision. The role of regulation and enforcement of traffic law and regulation concerning bicycling safety is also addressed.