Optimization of the Design of Cycle Networks: Application in the City of Rio de Janeiro

Cycling networks are an attractive and important factor for the use of bicycles as a means of transport. These networks consist of bike routes, which can be separated from motorized traffic or not. The goal of the cycling network is to connect cyclists' points of origin and destination, offering the most suitable routes between points of interest. The work proposes a mathematical model to optimize the design of these cycling networks, applying it in the neighborhoods of Botafogo and Urca, in Rio de Janeiro. Travel-generating hubs were identified through GIS modeling using QGIS software. The AIMMS software was employed to apply the mathematical model for optimizing the cycling network. There is also an argument in favor of a systemic approach in selecting infrastructure projects, aiming to minimize costs compared to simpler approaches. The study recommends increasing the number of bike racks to make the multimodal transportation system more efficient.