Network analysis of the Danish bicycle infrastructure: Bikeability across urban-rural divides

Abstract: Research on cycling conditions focuses on cities, because cycling is commonly considered an urban phenomenon. People outside of cities should, however, also have access to the benefits of active mobility. To bridge the gap between urban and rural cycling research, we analyze the bicycle network of Denmark, covering around 43,000 km2 and nearly 6 mio. inhabitants. We divide the network into four levels of traffic stress and quantify the spatial patterns of bikeability based on network density, fragmentation, and reach. We find that the country has a high share of low-stress infrastructure, but with a very uneven distribution. The widespread fragmentation of low-stress infrastructure results in low mobility for cyclists who do not tolerate high traffic stress. Finally, we partition the network into bikeability clusters and conclude that both high and low bikeability are strongly spatially clustered. Our research confirms that in Denmark, bikeability tends to be high in urban areas. The latent potential for cycling in rural areas is mostly unmet, although some rural areas benefit from previous infrastructure investments. To mitigate the lack of low-stress cycling infrastructure outside of urban centers, we suggest prioritizing investments in urban-rural cycling connections and encourage further research in improving rural cycling conditions.

• The paper analyzes 43,000 km of Danish bicycle infrastructure using the Levels of Traffic Stress (LTS) framework to assess bikeability across urban and rural areas.
• Low-stress (LTS 1 & 2) infrastructure makes up over half the network but is unevenly distributed and highly fragmented, limiting access, especially in non-urban regions.
• Urban areas show higher network density and reach, while rural areas often lack continuous low-stress paths, highlighting a need for strategic expansion and connections.

Analyzing Denmark's Bicycle Infrastructure: Urban and Rural Bikeability

The paper by Ane Rahbek Vierø and Michael Szell focuses on understanding the bikeability of the Danish bicycle infrastructure network by employing a comprehensive analysis of approximately 43,000 km of cycling paths. This study is significant as it bridges the gap between urban and rural cycling research, highlighting the differences in cycling conditions across these environments.

The primary objective of this research is to assess the spatial distribution of bicycle infrastructure in Denmark and its suitability for different levels of traffic stress using OpenStreetMap (OSM) and GeoDanmark. The authors divide the network into four Levels of Traffic Stress (LTS) and examine the distribution, density, fragmentation, and reach of each network level. Notably, the authors adopt the LTS framework, which classifies cycling paths based on perceived stress and suitability for cyclists, a method widely accepted in cycling infrastructure studies.

Key Findings:

1. Levels of Traffic Stress and Network Distribution:
   • The analysis reveals a high share of low-stress infrastructure in Denmark, where LTS 1 and 2 make up more than half the total network length. However, this low-stress infrastructure is unevenly distributed, with a concentration in urban areas and along certain rural roads, presenting fragmented accessibility for a significant portion of the population, especially in non-urban areas.
2. Network Fragmentation:
   • The study finds notable fragmentation in low-stress (LTS 1 and 2) networks, with disconnected components rendering many areas isolated for cyclists preferring lower-stress routes. The connectivity improves substantially when incorporating higher-stress networks (LTS 3 and 4), highlighting a pressing need for strategic expansions and connections in the bicycle network.
3. Network Density and Reach:
   • Network density and reach are significantly higher in urbanized and densely populated areas, supporting higher cycling rates. Rural areas often lack continuous low-stress networks, constraining long-distance bike commutes and forcing reliance on mixed-traffic roads.
4. Spatial Clustering and Bikeability:
   • Using k-means clustering, five distinct clusters of bikeability are identified, showing dense clusters of high bikeability in urban environments, while rural areas display a wider variety, with some showing strong regional connections and others lacking proper infrastructure.

The authors suggest several implications and future directions for improving bikeability across Denmark:

• Infrastructure Development: Investing in underserved rural and suburban areas is crucial to enhance bikeability and encourage cycling beyond urban centers. Improved infrastructure, like cycle highways, could ameliorate mobility for rural residents and bicycle tourists alike.
• Network Planning and Policy: Strategic investments should consider spatial equity and minimum accessibility thresholds to provide all residents, including vulnerable groups such as children and elderly cyclists, access to low-stress biking environments.
• Further Research Directions: The study recommends examining the relationship between infrastructure, cycling rates, and socio-economic factors to better understand the potential beneficiaries of improved cycling networks.

In conclusion, this research provides detailed insights into the spatial characteristics and disparities in Denmark's bicycle network. The findings underscore the importance of balanced development of cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable mobility for all societal segments. By addressing these challenges, Denmark can further solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable transportation solutions.