CRUSE Tool options

Options for which trip purposes to show in the first outputs map

For the first map to be seen by users of the tool, we need to decide which trip purposes to include.

Two options are to show either all trip purposes combined, or only the POWSCAR trip purposes. Showing all trip purposes gives more distributed networks with greater overall cycling levels, while showing POWSCAR purpose (work and education) aligns more closely with the most accurate available data.

All combined purposes (Decarbonisation scenario, quietest routes):

POWSCAR purposes (Decarbonisation scenario, quietest routes):

There are broad similarities between the POWSCAR and combined route networks. The main differences I can identify are that the combined route network includes more journeys and picks up more segments, especially in rural areas. In Kildare, POWSCAR trips give somewhat of a focus on longer distance journeys towards Dublin, while the non-POWSCAR purposes don’t do this. Non-POWSCAR trips have stronger coverage of some of the routes between smaller towns, eg Prosperous to Clane, and Clane to Naas. Personally I would choose the combined route network.

Options for which scenario to show in the first outputs map

We also have the choice of which scenario to show in the first outputs map.

Scenarios are defined in the FAQ. They include:

  • baseline
  • near-market (based on Dublin cycling levels)
  • Go Dutch (where all other modes can switch to cycling)
  • Ebike (where all other modes can switch to cycling)
  • Decarbonisation (similar to Go Dutch, but only car journeys can switch to cycling. Reaches 10% reduction in car journeys)
  • Demand reduction (similar to ebike, but only car journeys can switch to cycling. Also includes demand reduction and enhanced public transport uptake. Reaches 30% reduction in car journeys)

The baseline scenario most closely represents real cycling levels of course, but a more future-looking scenario such as Go Dutch could be good to show the level of ambition to improve and enhance cycling networks. Cycling potential in rural areas will look quite sparse in the baseline scenario.