Modeling bicycle traffic in an agent-based transport simulation

Abstract: Cycling as an inexpensive, healthy, and efficient mode of transport for everyday traveling is becoming increasingly popular. While many cities are promoting cycling, it is rarely included in transport models and systematic policy evaluation procedures. The purpose of this study is to extend the agent-based transport simulation framework MATSim to take into account attributes of the infrastructure that are relevant for cycling and the decisions that cyclists take. It is shown that meaningful simulation results are obtained for both an illustrative test scenario and a Berlin scenario. Further attributes (e.g. personal or bicycle-related attributes) that have an effect on the behavior of cyclists can be included into the simulation and, by this, into policy evaluation. Based on the exclusive reliance on open data, the approach is transferable to other spatial contexts.