First Advisor

Martin Swobodzinski

Date of Award

3-15-2025

Document Type

Paper

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Geography

Department

Geography

Language

English

Subjects

Bicycle maps -- Design and construction, Bicycle maps -- Accessibility, People with disabilities -- Maps, People with disabilities -- Transportation, Accessible design

Abstract

Urban bike maps can serve as key tools for route planning and navigation for prospective cyclists, providing both general information (such as landmarks and natural features) and cycling specific information (such as bike lane infrastructure types and cycling amenities). Despite this, there is little professional guidance or academic research on best practices for bike map design. Potential guidance should consider the full range of potential cyclists, including disabled cyclists who have often been left out of cycling policy discussions. In this paper, I begin by discussing 3 case studies on participatory mapping methodologies with disabled participants in order to generate insights into what techniques can be used to ethically engage with disabled participants. I then discuss literature on general accessible map design alongside research on the needs of disabled cyclists in order to offer some initial suggestions for holistically accessible bike maps. Color contrast ratios, font legibility, symbol choices, and content choices are identified as key areas of focus for accessible design with color-vision impairment and dyslexia being the most prominently discussed disabilities in existing literature. Finally, I conduct a map critique of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Bike Maps and apply those suggestions. I find that the PBOT Bike Maps succeed in their font choices, color blind friendliness, and choice of point symbols, but could see improvements in color contrast ratios, symbol and font sizes, and the inclusion of more disability specific and safety information.

Comments

A research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Geography.

Copyright 2025 Zachary Cheyney

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44230

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