Desire Lines of Cyclists

Get to know the cyclists in your streets and redesign the infrastructure to meet their needs using a unique tool by Copenhagenize.

A unique methodology to collect data on bicycle users

Inspired by the urban planning philosophies of Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, Copenhagenize recognizes the importance of observing people and their behaviors. We developed a methodology at the crossroads of anthropology, data strategy and urban design, to create the Desire Line Analysis Tool. This innovative tool, primarily designed to decode the Desire Lines of cyclists, enables us to thoroughly understand bicycle users and to reimagine intersections to better accommodate their observed behaviors and needs. 

With increasing focus on re‐establishing the bicycle as a credible means of transport in cities around the world, understanding the behavior and the fundamental anthropology of bicycle users becomes paramount. Rethinking the car‐centric design of intersections and infrastructure is imperative to redesign cities for new mobility patterns.

Deliverable

 
 
 

What your Desire Line Analysis will look like

Our expert team is prepared to travel worldwide to commence work on your Desire Lines of Cyclists Project. The process starts by selecting intersections in which the analysis will take place, and defining the dates and times for the filming sessions. With extensive experience conducting similar projects in Copenhagen, Montreal, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, and Lisbon, we come fully equipped to provide insightful conclusions aimed at improving the safety and comfort of bicycle users.

 

Observing  & Analyzing

We film an intersection for several hours and amass data about cycling traffic, user profiles and their specific behaviors. Once the data is collected, our team of experts moves to observe and understand why they behave the way they do.

Mapping Desire Lines

The Desire Lines of cyclists are mapped in a detailed, and easy-to-understand graphic representation. We determine patterns for the observed trajectories and outline the reasons for them. We also highlight conflicts between cyclists and other street users.

Improving the Street

We redesign the bicycle infrastructure and the intersection by proposing improvements based on the cyclists’ behavior. The design proposals can be used as a toolbox of solutions for other intersections, thus creating a positive change in the daily life of bicycle users.

We'd love to work with you!

If you're interested in working with Copenhagenize, reach out to us today. Our team is ready to collaborate with you to understand your needs and objectives.