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Introduction
The Bicycle Environmental Quality Index (BEQI) is a quantitative observational survey to assess the bicycle environment on roadways and evaluate what streetscape improvements could be made to promote bicycling in San Francisco. The survey has 22 empirically-based indicators, each of which has been shown to promote or discourage bicycle riding and connectivity to other modes of transport. Several of the indicators have been used in other bicycle indices from different regions in the country, while others are new concepts that have been found significant through other studies regarding healthy bicycle environments. SFDPH identified five main categories which embody important physical environmental factors for bicyclists: Intersection Safety, Vehicle Traffic, Street Design, Safety, and Land Use. Table 1 details each BEQI indicator under its broader environmental category. These indicators can be aggregated to create the final index (the BEQI), which can be reported as an overall index score, and/or deconstructed by the bicycle environmental categories shown in Table 1.Table 1. BEQI Indicators by Bicycle Environmental Category
| Intersection Safety | Vehicle Traffic | Street Design | Safety/Other | Land Use |
| Left turn bicycle lane Dashed intersection bicycle lane No turn on red signs |
Number of vehicle lanes Vehicle speed Traffic calming features Parallel parking adjacent to bicycle lane/route Traffic volume Percentage of heavy vehicles |
Connectivity of bike lanes
Trees Width of bike lane Bicycle lane markings Presence of a marked area for bicycle traffic Pavement type/condition Driveway cuts Street slope |
Bicycle/pedestrian scale lighting Presence of bicycle lane signs |
Line of sight Bicycle parking Retail use |
Background and Development
In June 2007, the SFDPH developed a physical survey to assess the quality of the bicycle network on Treasure Island called the Bicycle Environmental Quality Index (BEQI). The values of the indicators listed in Table 1 were obtained by sending a survey to bicycle experts and members of the bicycle community in July 2007. The survey was promoted through the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition newsletter where 88 respondents completed the survey. The survey responses were used to devise numerical scores and weights for the BEQI. The total score for each street segment and intersection will reflect the bicycle quality for the area the BEQI is applied to. Data collection for the BEQI is based on a visual assessment of street segments and intersections by a trained observer. Two SF neighborhoods, Lakeshore and Treasure Island, were chosen as the two pilot study areas for the BEQI. Both locations were chosen because of the need for bicycle facility improvements The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) has a specific interest in the Lakeshore area and recommended this location, which was surveyed first. A group of SFBC members volunteered to survey both areas and participated in a BEQI training. A detailed field and technical manual with instructions on how to conduct the survey is in development.
Collaborations/Constituencies Involved
As the BEQI is being developed, SFDPH continues to work closely with SFBC to finalize the indicators which determine a safe and adequate bicycle environment. SFDPH presented a BEQ update to the SFBC along with the SF Municipal Transportation Agency to get feedback on BEQI indicators, methods, and next steps. A more formal public peer review session will be held in January 2010.
Relevance to Health and Health Equity
Cycling to work, school, shopping, or leisure activities can be both a sustainable and time-efficient exercise regimen for maintaining acceptable levels of fitness. Studies have shown that bicycle commuters work more efficiently, arrive to work eager and alert, and due to a cyclists’ improved health, they have fewer job-related injuries. The use of non-motorized transportation provides exercise, reduces fatal accidents, increases social contacts and reduces air and noise pollution. Increased exercise protects against heart disease and exercise and is also recognized to have mental health benefits. Furthermore, traffic reduction on streets increases safety and opportunities for social interaction between residents and workers.
Applications and Policy Targets
Results from the BEQI reveal the relative quality of the biking environment at a street-level scale in select San Francisco neighborhoods. Use of the BEQI can translate environmental variables into a set of provisions for a healthy bicycle environment and a BEQI assessment can inform neighborhood planning and prioritize improvements through the land use plans and environmental assessments. An application of the BEQI asks the following questions:
1) Does a place have adequate and safe bicycle facilities throughout the neighborhood?
BEQI indicators are used to assess baseline conditions
2) Does a plan or project advance bicycle facilities in the area?
>Plans/projects should assess and evaluate the extent to which BEQI indicators are present
3) What recommendations for planning policies, implementing actions, or project design would advance the bicycle environment?
Concrete, specific recommendations are provided to the plan/project based on the evaluation.
To better understand how the BEQI could be used in future transportation planning it would be valuable to identify and meet with other agencies to provide feedback on the BEQI. In addition it would be beneficial to hold focus groups to determine if all indicators are present and to re analyze the value of each indicator. From focus groups, the BEQI indicator scores could be potentially re-weighted to determine a more accurate score for bicycle conditions.
For More Information
A completed a public draft of The Bicycle Environmental Quality Index (BEQI): Draft Report 2009 is available to learn more about the BEQI development and methods.
The accompanying training manual, database, survey form and shapefiles may be accessed above.