International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803

Identification of Priority areas for Cycling using

GIS: A Case of Kochi City Region
Sruthi Sasank
Department of Architecture, TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, India
sruthyssk[at]gmail.com

Abstract: Cities today face many urban challenges related to high population density. Transportation is one such challenge that
results in problems of congestion and pollution, especially with burgeoning private car usage. Cycling is one among the foremost
sustainable modes of transportation. The average trip length in Indian cities is convenient for cycling but the share of cycling as a
mode of transport has been declining. Creating a bicycle network within the urban areas is the key to encourage the utilization of the
bicycle as the daily mode of private transportation. Kochi City Region (KCR) in Kerala was selected as the study area as the share of
private vehicles has been increasing and there is a need for a sustainable mode of transportation. The paper focuses on how to identify
priority cycling areas in an already developed urban area. The study identifies how to deploy certain geographic information system
(GIS) tools along with Multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for analyzing multilayered spatial data at the city level. The results
confirms that the use of these GIS tools for analyzing various parameters for identifying priority areas for cycling routes is efficient.

Keywords: Cycling, Geographic information system, Multi-criteria analysis, Non-motorized transport.

1. Introduction sustainable transportation and non-motorized transportation.

(Saelens et al. 2003, Huang and Ye 1995, WendelVos et al.
The National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) and National 2004, Segadilha and da Penha Sanches 2014, Blečić et al.
Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) have stressed the 2015). Relying on GIS tools, a few studies (Huang and Ye
necessity for an approach that focuses on people and not 1995, Rybarczyk and Wu 2010, Milakis and Athanasopoulos
vehicles. Road design must not increase the dependence on 2014) contribute to determine bicycle routes in already
and usage of personal motorized vehicles. This is possible developed built environments of densely populated cities.
only if cities are built to prioritise the public transport,
walking and cycling (NMSH, 2011). Indian cities have a 2. Literature Review
high latent demand for cycle and walking trips, which can be
addressed with the introduction of suitable infrastructure, Non-motorised modes include walking, bicycle and cycle
facilities and resources. rickshaw. These modes are not dependent on fossil fuels, and
have minimal emissions. Cycling is one of the most
The major factors that have led to a decline in the share of sustainable modes of transportation. Cycling is associated
bicycles are rising income levels, absence of safe cycling with positive externalities like health improvements,
infrastructure, and increased affordability of motorized congestion reduction, lessening of air pollution and
vehicles (especially two-wheelers). In cities short-distance greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and minimizing energy
trips which can be undertaken by bicycles are now being use. As part of the efforts related to sustainable
made by cars and two-wheelers instead. The increasing development, carbon-free and non-motorized transportation
motorization in urban and rural areas has given rise to many and “healthy” cities, many researches and policy initiatives
negative externalities such as dependence on fossil fuels, in most countries promote bicycle use in daily life and a
GHG emissions, congestion, pollution and the associated decline in the use of cycles as a mode of transport.
health impacts.
Deploying GIS tools, the researchers about bicycle network
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our cities in many planning emphasize the route choice criteria for bicycling in
ways. While the number of motor vehicles on the road has relation to the physical, infrastructural and natural
plummeted during lockdown, an increasing number of characteristics of settlements (Rybarczyk and Wu 2010) and
people have turned to walking and biking, moving speedily to the modelling of bicyclists‟ route preferences by GPS
and safely through once congested streets. The shift has records as well as to cycling demand of population in terms
brought some visible changes: local air pollution has of transport distance and quality of route utilities (Skov-
dropped by up to 60% globally, and cities that used to be Petersen et al. 2018). All determinants can be re-categorized
covered with a thick blanket of smog are experiencing their as demand-based and supply-based criteria for bicycle route
first blue skies in a long time.Creating a bicycle network in planning. As part of the demand-based determinants, we can
the urban areas is the key point to encourage the use of the consider business districts, commercial areas, schools and
bicycle as the daily mode of personal transportation Studies parks and recreational areas. The supply-based determinants
about how to determine bicycle routes in cities emerge in can include the data on demographics, level of safety,
various fields (urban geography, transportation, urban characteristics of public transportation, road characteristics
planning and urban design) and pay attention on the and existing bicycle routes as these provide available
concerns about health and physical activity, healthy living, conditions for cycling (Rybarczyk and Wu 2010).
Volume 10 Issue 7, July 2021
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Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY
Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1253
 International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803
3. Aim, Objectives and Scope 3.3 Scope

3.1 Aim The study broadly discusses about the importance of cycling
in urban areas. The study seeks to provide a case with a
The aim of the study is to perform a Comprehensive Bicycle methodology using digital analyzing techniques for
route suitability assessment using GIS-Multi criteria analysis determining new bicycle networks within dense built
method and identify the priority areas that are suitable for environments. The study determines the “most suitable area”
cycling. for bicycle route using multi-criteria decision analysis in GIS
environment
3.2 Objectives
4. Methodology
 To study and analyse the various components and
methods used for bicycle network planning The research is carried out in three stages. In the first stage
 To identify and examine the demand and supply-side the background study is discussed, the aim, objectives, scope
determinants for cycling infrastructure. of the study is formulated. Literature review is discussed in
 To identify the existing determinants for cycling the first stage and the study area is identified. The second
infrastructure in Kochi city. stage discusses about the data collection through primary
 To identify suitable areas for cycling in Kochi city and secondary sources. Major tasks in this stage are
through Bicycle route suitability assessment. interviews, surveys, on-site observations and search for
relevant secondary data. In the final stage the suitability
assessment is carried out using overlay analysis in GIS. The
priority areas for cycling are identified through this
suitability assessment.

Figure 1: Methodology of the study

5. Study Area culture. Located on the south-western coast of India, the city
is more than 500 years. A vibrant cultural hub, this coastal
The city of Kochi is located on the western coast of India in city blends different natural landscapes (backwaters, canals
Ernakulam district of Kerala. Kochi is a cradle of Eurasian and green cover) and tourism is a major contributor to the
Volume 10 Issue 7, July 2021
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Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY
Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1254
 International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803
city‟s economy. Kochi is also part of India‟s Smart Cities challenge due to lack of safety and Infrastructure for short
Mission project. distance users.

The city consists of 3 administrative boundaries, namely Kochi City Region (KCR) is a contiguous region of land
Cochin Municipal Corporation (CMC), Kochi City Region consisting of the areas under the Corporation of Kochi and
(KCR) and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) sixteen other local bodies, including five municipalities in
with a population of 6.46 lakhs, 12.23 lakhs and 20.01 lakhs the form of Tripunithura, Kalamassery, Maradu, Eloor and
respectively. The metro is emerging to be the new mode of Thrikkakkara.
choice for the city. However, walking and cycling remains a

Figure 2: Location of Study area

Figure 3: Kochi City Region

6. Cycling Initiatives in Kochi lanes are being built on these roads as part of the „India
Cycles 4 Change Challenge‟ with the support of the German
The budget has stressed on green transportation facilities in development agency, GIZ. Kochi is one of the 107 cities to
Kochi. In order to create a cycling-friendly environment in have registered for the India Cycles4Change Challenge, an
Kochi, the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is initiative of Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing and
developing cycle lanes throughout the smart roads. The cycle Urban Affairs, Government of India. Since the outbreak of

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Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY
Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1255
 International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803
Covid 19, Cycles continue to be in high demand in the city. 7.4 Existing Transportation Network
Despite the shortage in availability of cycles, more people
are keen to take up cycling to stay fit. Kochi is well connected to other parts of the country and
state through an extensive network of National Highways
7. Analysis of Existing Determinants and State Highways, there are three important National
Highways NH 47, NH 17, NH 49 that pass-through Kochi
The various determinants for bicycle planning are discussed. city and a link road which connects NH 47.
The demand-based determinants include Land use and
Population while the supply-based determinants include 7.4 Locations of Recreational areas
transportation network, locations of transit hubs, schools,
recreational areas, existing cycling infrastructure etc. Only less than 1% of the area of the city falls under this
category. However, the vast expanse of water sheet and
7.1 Existing Land use agricultural land which constitute 39.44 % of the area of
Kochi City Region provide the lung space.
Analysis of the land utilization pattern shows that the areas
on the north-eastern and western part of this region vary 7.5 Locations of schools
significantly, as the western part comprises of islands
surrounded by water bodies and fragmented by canals and Sree Rama Varma High School, Edappally High School,
backwaters. The per capita developed land holding is only Government School-Kochi, and Govt Girls Higher
117 sq.m in the city and an average of 175 sq.m in the Kochi Secondary School in Kacheripady are important government
City Region. The existing land use pattern has resulted from schools. Within the city borders and in the suburbs, the
the complex interactions of various factors in the urban Kendriya Vidyalaya, Chinmaya Mission, and Bharatiya
structure. Vidya Bhavan manage various quasi-private charter schools.
There are a number of entirely private schools in the area.
7.2 Population
7.5 Existing Cycling Infrastructure
Kochi city Region comprises of Kochi City and its
immediate influence areas covering an area of 369.72 Sq.km Non-motorised transport (NMT) has been getting a lot of
with a population of 11.79 Lakh in 2011.The population of attention in Kochi both for being eco-friendly and being a
Kochi City Region has increased from 11.64 Lakh in 2001 to free ticket to good health. Kochi Metro Rail Limited has
11.79 Lakh in 2011 with a very low decadal growth rate of been in the forefront of providing such green transport
1.3%. Both the municipalities of Thripunnithura and options as feeder service for metro users.Their newest
Kalamassery have registered a higher growth rate of 15.9% initiative in collaboration with Cochin Smart Mission
and 12.6% respectively. With the investments in IT and port Limited (CSML) has picked Ahmedabad-based MYBYK, a
sector, it is anticipated that the growth rates would shoot up bicycle renting start-up, that will give Kochiites easy access
especially in the Kochi City Region. to a bicycle they can use and keep in the city. The company
has deployed 300 cycles across 35 MYBYK Hubs spread
7.3 Existing Transportation Network across the city and plans to add another 700 cycles and 65+
Hubs over the phase.
Kochi is well connected to other parts of the country and
state through an extensive network of National Highways To create a cycling-friendly environment in Kochi, the
and State Highways, there are three important National Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is developing
Highways NH 47, NH 17, NH 49 that pass-through Kochi temporary cycle lanes throughout the smart roads. The cycle
city and a link road which connects NH 47 and NH 49 tracks are aimed at encouraging people to use the clean and
known as 47- A. Kochi has a good network of inland healthy mode of transport in daily life, a statement from
waterway system consisting of backwaters, canals, lagoons CSML said. The agency has decided to elevate six arterial
and estuaries. National Waterway No.3 connecting Kollam roads in the city to the status if smart roads. They include
and Kottappuram pass through the region. Abraham Madamakkal Road, Banerjee Road, Shanmugham
Road, Park Avenue Road, Durbar Hall Road and South
The State Water Transport Department (SWTD), Kerala Railway Station Road. The cycle lanes are being built on
Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) and these roads as part of the „India Cycles 4 Change Challenge‟.
private operators are providing passenger and cargo boat
services to the adjoining islands and industrial centers. The 8. Bicycle route suitability assessment
metro covers a stretch of 25.6 km from Aluva to Petta and
constitutes 22 stations at the major attraction and production In order to identify most suitable areas to build bicycle
locations along the alignment like the CUSAT University, routes, the overlay analysis is performed using city-scaled
Lulu Mall, JLN stadium, MG Road the commercial hub, thematic maps in GIS. The overlay map identifies the most
Ernakulam South Railway station and Vytilla mobility hub. suitable areas by summing the highest level of suitability of
each data for bicycle route across the city. In order to make
spatial decisions by using multi-criteria in GIS, it is required

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Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1256
 International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803
to make spatial data identical. The spatial data are The most suitable area for cycling routes is classified as
reclassified into Five intervals in the form of thematic map.
 Areas Passes within two kilometers of a transit center
The classification labelled as 1-5 scale value and 1 denoting (metro, ferry)
“Least suitable area” and 5 denoting “Most suitable area” for  Passes within two kilometers of a high school
cycling. Within the demand side, the data on the spatial  Passes within two kilometers of an elementary school or
distribution of population and the land use characteristics are middle school
used. it is assumed that the areas with highest density of non-  Provides access to a recreation area or otherwise serves a
residential uses including business districts, commercial and recreation purpose.
schools creates more demand for cycling as destination  Areas having higher population density.
points.

Figure 4: Thematic maps used for overlay analysis in GIS

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Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1257
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Figure 4: Bicycle route suitability assessment map

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Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1258
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ISSN: 2319-7064
SJIF (2020): 7.803
Author Profile
Sruthi Sasank received B.arch (Bachelor of
Architecture) degree from Sigma College of
Architecture, Marthandam in 2018. Now pursuing
M.Plan (Urban Planning) degree in Thangal Kunju
Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam (2019-21
batch)

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Paper ID: SR21724095840 DOI: 10.21275/SR21724095840 1259