An equity analysis of the 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan: initial findings and recommended methods improvements

Abstract

This report conducts an equity analysis on the 2014 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan for the purpose of assessing the level of access to bicycle facilities for bicycle dependent populations. Initial findings reveal higher overall levels of access for census block groups in Seattle with relatively high equity scores. However, some clusters of block groups with high equity scores in the northern and southern portions of Seattle were found to have relatively low bicycle facility access. In addition, the average level of access for block groups with higher than the citywide average of youth and older adults was found to be significantly lower than block groups below the citywide average. The methods and results from this analysis are suggested for use in modifying or expanding the bicycle networks to address the inequities identified, and for application in the 2015 Seattle Bicycle Master Plan Implementation Plan. These initial findings should be verified through additional analysis that addresses the limitations of the methods chosen and provides additional context. The limitations of the methods chosen are specifically addressed and recommended improvements given for the additional analysis required and for future equity analyses in other communities.