A GIS-Based Methodology for Evaluating the Increase in Multimodal Transport between Bicycle and Rail Transport Systems. A Case Study in Palermo

Background: In a world where every municipality is pursuing the goals of more sustainable mobility, bicycles play fundamental role in getting rid private cars and travelling by an eco-friendly mode transport. Additionally, shared bikes can be used as feeder transit system, solving problem first- last-mile trips. Thanks to GIS (Geographic Information System) software, it possible evaluate effectiveness such means transport future users’ modal choice. Methods: Running accessibility analysis cycling rail services, potential mobility demand attracted these services multimodality between bicycle systems assessed. Moreover, thanks choice model calibrated for high school students, could verified if students will really motivated adopt this solution their home-to-school Results: The GIS-based showed that almost half active population study area might potentially abandon use car favour bike its combination with public systems; furthermore, percentage one Palermo, Einstein High School, sharply increases from 1.5% up 10.1%, also service. Conclusions: methodology shows multimodal effective way pursue cities efficiently connect suburbs low-frequent main nodes.