Valuing rural cycleways and footpaths

摘要: Walking and cycling are efficient modes of transport for short trips which cause little danger inconvenience to others. European national strategies increasingly recognise the need increase amount walking as part a sustainable land use solution. Historically, however, it has been difficult include benefits infrastructure in an economic appraisal due lack evidence on their value. Furthermore there is often pre-conceived idea amongst highway design engineers that value including facilities pedestrians cyclists particularly rural areas. This paper presents new cycleways footpaths environment. It based study behaviour three areas Ireland. The purpose was inform Ireland's National Roads Authority merits provisions any future upgrade Secondary Road network. secondary network consists 2,700 km primarily single carriageway "roads". These roads complement primary routes (e.g. motorways). Very investment put into consequently large scale planned. Being historic inter-urban road network, no dedicated currently exist. A key question posed whether such should be included upgrade. fundamental requirement valuing understanding demand facilities. Aggregate models data about population or characteristics area. Such useful calculating potential (say) effect widespread policy change, but they less predicting impact particular piece because aggregate nature. Disaggregate upon decisions individuals households can therefore much more detailed information factors influence decision walk cycle. There have number studies over years applied these sorts cycling, far fewer walking. Additionally not pertinent context where distances settlements significant barrier uptake cycling. Monetary valuations also appraisal. For this led development concept "journey ambience". Journey ambience measure improved environment reduction feelings provide. taken willingness pay facility compared situation without facility. Some journey exist, though relevance limited. Existing concentrated urban areas, covered restricted purposes, typically commuting confined cycle designed type use, instance leisure country trails). In addition, very segregated holds pedestrians. gives account implementation results from household user survey carried out Ireland locations. used estimate disaggregate model pedestrian cyclist work different previous it: -was conducted situation; -provides predict simple derived census GIS data; - covers well (and summer winter); provides estimates by users shared will conclude demonstrating research agenda with illustration its programme principal result almost all proposed upgrades (approximately 900km upgrades) cyclists. direct contrast conventional view regarding schemes.