Regional Bicycle Planning in Los Angeles County: An Analysis of Bike-Transit Integration in the Metro Bicycle Transportation Strategic Plan

Effectively integrating bicycle transportation with transit enhances the attractiveness of transit by offering an alternative to walking and driving to stops and adding the convenience of door-to-door travel not otherwise available. Understanding the population demographics and the barriers to bicycle access on transit is essential in developing a successful implementation plan. This study examines the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Bicycle Transportation Strategic Plan. It develops a data profile on bicyclist characteristics in Los Angeles County using US Census demographic data and spatial data available from Metro. The results of the analysis are used to develop a ranking system to identify the top locations where bicycle-to-transit is most likely. The methodology and recommendations presented demonstrate where resources could be most effectively invested and how the bike-transit plan can be strengthened. While the research is specific to Metro, other agencies can use a similar method in developing their own plans.