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Keep ’Em Separated: Desire Lines Analysis of Bidirectional Cycle Tracks in Montreal, Canada

As cities worldwide try to increase the adoption of the bicycle as a legitimate mode of urban transportation, the perception of danger plays a significant role in deterring potential new users. In a study conducted in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, bicycle users claimed to perceive intersections with bidirectional cycle tracks twice as negatively as they perceived either similar protected facilities midblock or intersections with painted bicycle lanes. This study aimed to understand this negative perception through a fine-grained analysis and observation of the interplay between infrastructure design and bicycle users’ behavior at these intersections. Researchers used the Desire Lines Analysis tool pioneered by Copenhagenize Design Company and developed recommendations and design interventions for two intersections with bidirectional facilities in the city of Montreal. Study results demonstrated that most users followed the prescribed routes of the street design through each intersection and shone light on users who did not—more than a quarter of users. The trajectories of bicycle users that were questionably legal resulted in observed conflicts at both bidirectional intersections. Conflicts were grouped into three major observed themes: counterflow interactions, priority confusion, and directional awareness. Recommendations made in this paper aim to address each one of these observed themes with appropriate designs that are choreographic, prioritized, and predictable for all road users. Planners, engineers, and urban designers can gain significant insight into best-practice bicycle infrastructure through techniques, such as desire lines analysis, that observe behavior and design accordingly.