Routing Cycling Trips on a Level of Traffic Stress Network within the Transportation GeoXchange

This research project supports the development of cycling planning tools within an online transportation planning platform called the Transportation GeoXchange (TGX). Research focusses on the development and integration of Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) network analysis in case studies using the TGX. LTS networks are routable graphs with impedance functions that characterize the subjective level of stress associated with traversing each street segment and intersection. They are particularly useful in examining cycling travel times and accessibility levels according to varying levels of potential cycling competence or stress tolerance, and are therefore desirable in a range of cycling network planning and research activities. Leveraging the TGX’s real-time data processing capabilities, the proposed case-studies will centre on Toronto’s public bikeshare system. The primary objective will be to conduct research into the LTS along paths connecting bikeshare stations and activity destinations. This will be achieved via the generation and comparison of feasible paths using varying levels of acceptable traffic stress along the routes. Network analysis tools within the Esri suite will be used to generate shortest paths. Origin-destination pairs will be scored with a series of detour factors measuring the extra travel distance required to cycle along low LTS routes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shoshanna Saxe;Timothy Chan

Student:

Partner:

Esri Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and cultural industries; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: