Multisource data-driven diagnostic assessment of Hangzhou’s cycling system: A zonal policy framework for smart low-carbon urban mobility

Amidst China’s territorial spatial planning reforms, Hangzhou’s cycling system—a central component of non-motorized transport (NMT)—prioritizes low-carbon, safe, green, efficient, and convenient travel, aligning with the city’s goal of building a people-centered, sustainable urban mobility network. This study proposes a multi-source data-driven diagnostic framework for urban cycling assessment. The framework integrates diverse geospatial data, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for tree-shaded pathway analysis, OpenStreetMap bicycle lanes mapping, Point of Interest (POI) data for filtering bicycle-sharing station locations, and Gaode real-time traffic volume indices. The assessment employed 12 quantified indicators spanning three dimensions: convenience, vitality, and safety, with differential weighting across four functional zones. The analysis revealed a pronounced center-periphery gradient, with higher scores in downtown areas declining toward suburbs, reflecting imbalances in infrastructure investment and service accessibility. Correlation heatmaps further identified indicators with high sensitivity to zone-specific performance variations. Tailored strategies are proposed for each zones: Class I (Dominant) Zones should maintain high service levels through integrated network optimization; Class II (Priority) Zones, where the Public Bicycle System (PBS) serves both commuting and leisure, require additional stations, shaded corridors, and seamless metro connections to boost first- and last-mile access; Class III (Advocacy) Zones must prioritize transit linkages and traffic safety; Class IV (Experience) Zones should strengthen experiential quality through placemaking and greenway connectivity. The findings demonstrate that this adaptive zonal governance framework bridges smart city goals and NMT development, offering a low-carbon model that balances infrastructure efficiency, user experience, and environmental sustainability.