A method proposal for determining bicycle paths in cities: The case of Denizli (Turkey)

Despite technological advancements, bicycle transportation has a historical role that has endured and shaped human transportation history. For effective transportation with non-motorized vehicles, it is essential to identify infrastructure opportunities and understand the impacts of the current situation on transportation behaviours. The study area is the Merkezefendi and Pamukkale districts of Denizli city center. Four different interrelated methods (Landscape Analysis, Delphi Technique, Questionnaire Application, and AHP; Multi-Criteria Factor and Weighting) were used in the research. The research consists of four main parts: data collection, evaluation, analysis, and results. Thus, a method proposal allowing for a comprehensive evaluation for establishing a bicycle lane network in the city center of Denizli was aimed. To achieve this, the natural, cultural, and socio-economic characteristics of the selected districts of Merkezefendi and Pamukkale, chosen as the research area, were highlighted. Opinions of employees in various institutions, individuals volunteering in relevant non-governmental organizations (to use Delphi Technique with 15 experts), and the public (by questionnaire with 863 people) were gathered to develop a bicycle lane network proposal using a holistic planning approach. As a result, a comprehensive set of criteria was evaluated, and inclusiveness was applied extensively. In contrast to other studies, the factors influencing bicycle use in Denizli city center were not limited to literature reviews only but involved a Delphi technique with expert opinions, a survey with the views of bicycle users in the city center, and the researcher's experience and observations. The results obtained through versatile decision-making processes forming the basis of landscape planning studies were evaluated together. Consequently, a method proposal that can be used in planning studies in our country's cities in this regard was developed.