Optimal urban planning through the Best-Worst Method: bicycle lanes perspective in Palermo

Since 2020, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, planners and designers have proposed numerous changes for urban spaces and mobility concepts, complying with government anti-contamination restrictions. Several European cities have implemented strategies for developing cycling, favouring the design of temporary (pop-up) or permanent cycle lanes and state incentives to purchase bicycles and electric micro-mobility. However, the existing research suggests that the design optimisation must pursue specific geometric-functional and safety standards for cyclists and space sharers (pedestrians/cars). Hence, it is necessary to analyse the perceptions of citizens and commuters to optimise the planning and design of these infrastructures. This study focuses on a multi-criteria evaluation for selecting the optimal infrastructure scheme to be placed temporarily and permanently in the metropolis of Palermo in Sicily (Italy). First, the evaluation of opinions was defined by considering a selected group of cyclists (citizens, technicians, and commuters). Then, applying the Best-Worst method (BWM), a series of design alternatives were evaluated and compared. Results show a correlation between the different type of users who generally lives in the city compared to the commuter who is in the city for the first time. The results lay the foundation for improved planning and design strategies in the sustainable urban mobility plan (SUMP) and the Italian “Biciplan” guidelines.