WEIGHT ESTIMATION OF CYCLABILITY INDICATOR FACTORS FOR THE SOUTH ZONE OF RIO DE JANEIRO
Abstract
Although the literature provides well-established methods for assessing bikeability, such as the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) and the Bikeability Index (BI), most of these approaches have been developed in Global North contexts. In the case of the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, despite the widespread use of cycling infrastructure, there is still a lack of studies that estimate, based on local cyclists’ perceptions, the relative weights of factors influencing the cycling experience. This study presents the estimation of weights assigned to factors affecting cyclists’ experience in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, based on user perception. The research employs discrete choice models to transform stated importance rankings provided by respondents into normalized weights. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire administered to cyclists with different usage patterns and frequency levels. The analyzed factors include traffic safety, personal security, comfort, cycling infrastructure, weather conditions, travel cost, and route coherence, with three of these factors further detailed through observable components. The results indicate that aspects such as the presence of dedicated bike lanes, policing, pavement quality, and separation from motorized traffic are among the most valued attributes, particularly for frequent cyclists. As limitations, the study relies on stated perceptions, is restricted to the spatial scope of the South Zone, and addresses only the weight calibration stage. Nevertheless, the findings provide support for future bikeability assessments and for guiding public policies and investments in active transportation that are better aligned with local user preferences.
Author Biographies
Graduated in Fortification and Construction Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (2017) and currently a master's student in the Graduate Program in Transportation Engineering at the Military Institute of Engineering.
Graduated in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (2024) and currently a master's student in the Graduate Program in Transportation Engineering at the Military Institute of Engineering.
Graduated in Computer Science from the School of Engineering of Piracicaba (2006), holds a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (2009) and a Ph.D. in Production Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (2013), with a postdoctoral fellowship (2015–2017) at the same institution. Has experience in the fields of Computing and Transportation Engineering, with an emphasis on vehicle routing and urban transportation planning.
Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from UFRJ (2021), Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (2015), and Bachelor’s degree in Fortification and Construction Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (2010).
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