Transport Canada’s bikeability model

As part of its Transportation 2030 policy goals to create safer, greener and more efficient transportation networks across Canada, Transport Canada is focusing on building and maintaining safe, efficient and connected cycling networks. As a result, the Department developed a bikeability model using multiple urban mobility indicators with an increased focus on safety. This model measures infrastructure readiness for enabling cycling as a safe and efficient commuting option. It is intended to inform infrastructure investments and active mobility policies in order to maximize the efficiency of and safety improvements to Canada’s cycling network at a minimal cost.

The model was developed in Ottawa and is currently being tested in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and Mississauga, Ontario. It was built to generate both the fastest and the safest routes on a specified origin–destination pair. If testing proves successful, the bikeability model could be expanded on a much larger scale and help guide infrastructure investments to support safe and efficient active transportation across Canada.

Figure 1 and Table 1 show an example of the model being tested in Ottawa.

Figure 1:  Bikeability model proof of concept: Fastest (top) and safest (bottom)

Table 1: Summary of case-study simulation trip results

Source: Szyszkowicz, S. (2018). Bikeability as an Indicator of Urban Mobility. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario.

For more information, please contact Statistics Canada (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca).