Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment of Bicycle and Trail Networks

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure continues to be at risk to climate change impacts including sea-level rise (SLR) inundation. Past studies have primarily focused on motorized facilities; however, nonmotorized systems also are vulnerable, especially in urban areas where bicycle mobility is essential to commuting and accessibility. This research investigates the SLR vulnerability of bicycle facilities using geographic information systems (GIS) and related economic impacts. GIS is used to map the facilities and inundation layers based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) SLR data. A vulnerability classification hierarchy is developed to showcase the level of impact for network links. A case study on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is provided as an example for how agencies can investigate bicycle facilities in their jurisdiction. Results show that at the 1.83 m (6 ft) inundation level, 57% of the offstreet trail mileage is part of a SLR affected link (at least one portion of the link is inundated) with 17% directly inundated, while 12% of the onstreet bike network mileage is considered a SLR affected link or a nonfunctional connector link.