Prioritising Barrier Removal on the UK’s National Cycle Network

This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.This paper introduces an automated, data-driven method for ranking physical obstructions on active-travel networks by removal priority, aiming to improve accessibility for adapted cycles, wheelchair users and disabled cyclists. Whilst some work to remove obstructions is occurring, a strategic data-driven approach could improve this process. To provide decision makers with a tool to identify and prioritise the removal of obstructions, a scoring methodology is developed. The developed scoring index uses a combination of five metrics and six sub-metrics to provide an overall score per obstruction, a measure of the priority for its removal. An open-source framework is used for the analysis and implementation of a weighted score methodology using an analytical hierarchy process informed through consultation with key stakeholders and network operators. The methodology is applied to the National Cycle Network in the United Kingdom with results presented for two case study locations: York and Pembrokeshire. Results indicate barrier critical width and accessibility gain are key metrics, constituting 77.1% of the overall score weighting. Scored obstructions displayed the locations of high removal priority barriers across both study areas. The multi-factor nature of the proposed index provides a holistic approach to determining the worst obstructions limiting the use of cycle infrastructure by disabled cyclists. Use of the index by those responsible for managing cycle infrastructure has the potential for opening-up cycle routes inaccessible to disabled people, giving them equitable access to not just the infrastructure, but the social, physical and economic benefits enjoyed by others that comes using cycle networks.