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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
January 2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Steven Lavrenz
Abstract
As cities continue to grow, they face mounting challenges in providing efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation options. Bikeshare systems have emerged as a flexible, environmentally friendly alternative that can complement existing transit networks. This dissertation presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of urban cycling and bikeshare systems, using advanced analytics to provide actionable insights for urban planning and transportation policy.Focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area, the research examines three key dimensions of bikeshare systems: usage patterns, integration with public transit, and travel time reliability. By employing statistical and econometric modeling such as hazard-based duration models and Tobit regression analysis, the study explores the factors influencing bikeshare usage and user behavior in urban settings.
The findings highlight the complex interplay of environmental, infrastructural, and demographic factors that shape bikeshare utilization. A significant discovery is the identification of a 20-minute threshold in ride durations, offering strategic insights for system optimization. The research also reveals how variables such as traffic stress, weather conditions, and pandemic-related changes impact bikeshare usage, underscoring the need for strategic station placement and seamless integration with public transit to enhance accessibility and user satisfaction.Through an in-depth analysis of travel time reliability along major urban cycling routes, the dissertation provides critical guidance for targeted infrastructure enhancements and policy interventions. It demonstrates how factors such as road segment characteristics, time of day, and day of the week affect travel time consistency, offering a framework for improving the reliability and appeal of urban cycling networks. This research bridges academic study and practical urban planning, offering evidence-based recommendations to optimize bikeshare systems, enhance public transit integration, and improve urban mobility. While focused on Detroit, the findings provide a framework applicable to cities worldwide, promoting efficiency, equity, and sustainability. By combining data analytics with urban planning, this dissertation supports informed decision-making and offers valuable tools for policymakers, planners, and transportation professionals to create more resilient and inclusive cities.
Recommended Citation
Zahertar, Anahita, "Data-Driven Approaches To Improving Urban Cycling And Enhancing Bikeshare Systems For Equitable And Sustainable Transportation" (2024). Wayne State University Dissertations. 4147.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/4147