---
title: Pedestrian and Cycle Modelling
url: "https://www.systra.com/uk/services/data-modelling/pedestrian-and-cycle-modelling/"
type: services
date_published: 2023-07-03
date_modified: 2025-06-27
schema:
  @type: WebPage
language: en-GB
word_count: 1263
reading_time: 7 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/uk/services/data-modelling/pedestrian-and-cycle-modelling/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/strategic-traffic-modelling-website-header.jpg"
type-service:
  - Data Modelling
---

# Pedestrian and Cycle Modelling

**SYSTRA offers a broad range of services to help local authorities, developers and planners create attractive walking and cycling networks that encourage greater adoption of active modes of travel – to reduce carbon emissions and improve health and well-being.**

### Creating healthier, more sustainable travel opportunities

Encouraging greater uptake of cycling and walking is a key element in the drive
towards more sustainable, low-carbon, low-impact transport systems. Transport
planning authorities and local councils are prioritising the development of
local cycling and walking infrastructure, but need expert support on evaluating
the impact and effectiveness of different schemes.

Planners need access to data on existing walking and cycling patterns, and
insights into the impact of any infrastructure changes on the uptake of these
active travel modes. They also need to balance the benefits of increasing cycle
and walking routes with the interests of stakeholders, who may object to the
reallocation of road space or the creation of low-traffic neighbourhoods.

At SYSTRA, we have a successful track record of helping clients develop
pedestrian and cycling schemes that encourage active travel, based on robust
modelling using the latest tools, combined with our own expert insights.

### our experience

Discover how SYSTRA provides expert insight and advice to support decision
making, policy development and strategy.

[VIEW CASE STUDIES](https://www.systra.com/uk/our-projects/)

![insights-6](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/insights-6-1024x645.jpg)

**SYSTRA supports the implementation of cycling and walking schemes, from modelling and forecasting to scheme design, stakeholder consultation and business case development.**

### Active travel schemes that work for everyone

Our active transport specialists are responsible for many innovative pedestrian
and cycling projects across the UK, supporting a diverse range of public and
private sector clients. We have a deep understanding of the latest active travel
guidelines, trends and policies. To support policy priorities, we apply the most
appropriate methods and modelling techniques to assess the impacts and costs
associated with different active travel interventions.

We advise clients on how to evaluate or justify different active travel schemes.
We advise on how to influence behavioural change towards more active modes, and
measure the impacts of different schemes post implementation. Our modelling
capabilities enable us to predict the likely usage of different facilities, such
as cycle parking provision, to inform the design of those facilities.

### Cycling scheme modelling and appraisal

We support the development of cycling schemes and infrastructure using a range
of widely available tools, such as the UK Propensity to Cycle Tool (PCT) and
Active Mode Appraisal Toolkit (AMAT). For more detailed and accurate analysis
and forecasting, we can apply our own robust assessments and modelling
capabilities.

Our specialists were responsible for developing the cycling network model for
London (Cynemon), which estimates cyclist routes, journey times and flows at a
strategic level across London. This tool is now widely used to support cycling
scheme and policy appraisal. We can apply our expertise to produce localised
predictions of cycle usage for any client, to support cycling scheme evaluation
and business case development.

### Understanding pedestrian flow, interaction and movement

To support the creation of improved walking routes, we offer expertise in static
and dynamic pedestrian modelling, using a range of bespoke software packages. We
use these tools to analyse pedestrian movement, interactions, flow, comfort and
congestion for a range of different pedestrianisation schemes. These could
include building design and redevelopment projects, station gate line
installations, multi-modal interchanges, public realm enhancements and
wayfinding schemes.

Our analysis helps clients to fully understand the pedestrian flow implications
of any new schemes, taking into account accessibility and evacuation
requirements.

![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/07/pedestrian-and-cycling-modelling-1024x683.jpg)

### areas of expertise

We apply our skills to evaluate permanent adjustments to the urban environment,
as well as temporary pedestrianisation arrangements for major events.

- **Building design** – we help to optimise the internal layout and design of
  buildings, whether new or existing.
- **Gating studies** – analysis and recommendations on the optimal installation
  of ticket gate lines at stations, stadiums and other crowded places.
- **Multi-modal interactions** – we carry out studies of the interactions
  between users of different transport modes in multi-modal spaces.
- **Static analysis** – to assess different aspects of pedestrian movement.
- **Model audit** – to ensure the models being used offer an accurate and fair
  representation of proposed scenarios.
- **Wayfinding** – testing the impacts of different approaches to wayfinding and
  developing appropriate strategies.

### Microsimulation for active travel scheme modelling

We have the expertise to help clients understand the impacts of active travel
schemes on the wider road network, using microsimulation tools, such as
Paramics, Vissim and Aimsun. These provide visual representations of the
operation and impact of different cycling and pedestrianisation schemes to
assist decision makers.

Microsimulation is the most detailed form of modelling, providing digital
representations of how people and vehicles move between origins and destinations
within a defined space. Pedestrian and cycling outputs can include Level of
Service (LOS), travel times, identification of pinch points, flow throughput,
flow density and waiting times.

The visualisations and videos can provide a detailed understanding of different
schemes, such as road space reallocations or low-traffic zones. They are
excellent tools for stakeholder engagement – helping to demonstrate the benefits
of new schemes and overcome objections.

We’d love to help with your next project

[Connect with our Specialists](https://www.systra.com/uk/contact/business/)

[JOIN OUR COMMUNITY](https://www.systra.com/uk/register/join-our-community/)

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[ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/uk/expert_insights/encouraging-more-young-people-to-get-on-board/)

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- Expert Insights

Emma PYM

### SYSTRA’s Social & Market Research team are putting people first

[ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/uk/expert_insights/systras-social-market-research-team-are-putting-people-first/)

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- Expert Insights

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### Land Use and Transport Integration – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

[ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/uk/expert_insights/land-use-and-transport-integration-a-multi-disciplinary-approach/)

![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/03/careers-1024x323.jpg)

Find out what its like to work at SYSTRA, rewards, benefits and about different
career pathways including
[apprenticeships](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/)
and [graduate](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/graduates/)
opportunities.

[SEARCH CAREERS](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/start-a-career-at-systra/)

## Check our other services

### Business Case, Funding & Strategy

### Technical Systems

### Data Science and Visualisation

### Digital Engineering

### Environmental Advisory

### Digital Solutions & Software Development

### Behavioural Change & Demand Management

### Modern Methods of Construction

### Transport Advisory

### Research, Consultation & Evaluation