Unlocking Cycling Potential with DQ Flows

Understanding patterns of walking and cycling is a key challenge in planning sustainable urban mobility. Without adequate data, infrastructure investments risk missing local needs or being underutilized.

DQ Flows is a simulation tool designed to estimate and visualize bicycle and pedestrian flows across entire street networks. It was developed by mobility expert Roxy Tacq in collaboration with Arjan Knol of DOK Data & Road Safety. The model aims to support cities, regions and mobility professionals in making evidence-based decisions for active travel infrastructure.

The name “DQ Flows” refers to Don Quixote, reflecting a broader intention to challenge conventional practices in mobility planning, particularly the limited visibility of walking and cycling in traditional transport models.

Functionality and Approach

DQ Flows uses micro-simulation techniques informed by demographic data, household profiles, and geographic datasets, including OpenStreetMap and satellite imagery to model typical weekday travel behavior. Notably, it does not require locally collected input data to function. When available, existing count data can be integrated to enhance the accuracy of estimates.

The tool is designed to deliver flow predictions in a short timeframe and is scalable due to its use of open data sources. It has been applied in urban contexts as varied as Rotterdam, Barcelona, and São Paulo.

DQ Flows can be used in a range of contexts, including:

• Estimating walking and cycling volumes in areas without existing count data
• Identifying locations where design interventions could reduce conflict or risk
• Exploring different planning or policy scenarios
• Supporting the development of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs)

By providing insight into expected movement patterns, the tool can inform infrastructure design, investment prioritization, and policy development, particularly in settings where data is scarce or unavailable.

A publicly accessible DQ Flows Story Map and LinkedIn page illustrate the tool’s functionality and provides examples of its application.

For more information or inquiries about use in specific projects, contact Roxy Tacq at roxytacq@icloud.com.