Ann Vanclooster
Ann has an impressive academic background and extensive experience in geographic data and traffic modeling. She specializes in network analysis, data integration, and quality control, along with the development of model content. Ann also serves as our MINT contact for all things related to GIS and data. She consistently seeks meaningful combinations of data and ways to present these insights to clients in a clear, understandable manner. Ann asks the difficult but necessary questions, pushing others to think beyond the obvious.
Ann has frequently contributed to bicycle studies, working on modeling potential analyses ranging from local infrastructure to broad regional cycling models across Flanders. She is also a key force in the creation of TraVis, our quick-scan tool designed to address a wide range of municipal and regional mobility questions. Through TraVis, we provide insights on travel times, accessibility, the effects of circulation measures, as well as mapping the potential impact of new (cycling) infrastructure and traffic (in)security. Ann plays a pivotal role in the further development of TraVis, including content refinement, visualizations, and enhancing interactivity via a web platform
Together with 2 colleagues, Ann has established an internal innovation team at MINT for the past two years, pushing the boundaries of the products we develop—not just in expanding application opportunities, but also in terms of visual communication. This collaboration led to the creation of MINT’s stand at Velo-city, featuring a bicycle potential tool and a completely new interactive look, as well as feedback options on the OmnitransNEXT platform of our sister company, Goudappel. Ann continues to lead the ongoing development of this initiative.
Ann earned her Master's degree in Geomatics and Land Surveying from Ghent University and completed her PhD, focusing on routing algorithms. She stayed at the Department of Geography at Ghent University for postdoctoral research on integrating traffic sign databases into route navigation systems.
Session
Flanders, the second-largest bicycle region in Europe, aims to increase bicycle trips to 30% of all trips by 2040. Achieving this target requires understanding current cycling patterns and local mobility behaviors. This study presents a methodology to model potential bicycle trip growth through regional and local scenarios, identifying where and to what extent local growth is needed.
Using the Flemish agent-based traffic model, we map current cycling behavior across the region. The model provides a comprehensive picture of modal share in Flanders, incorporating the demographic and behavioral characteristics of each trip made by the region’s 7 million residents. It overcomes traditional data limitations, offering a more accurate representation of cycling patterns, including long- vs. short-distance trips and their distribution across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
For scenario building, we start with the “as-is” bicycle matrices from the traffic model, then grow them to reflect expected population increases by 2040 in each municipality. Growth scenarios focus on enhancing urban cycling infrastructure, promoting short-distance trips, improving long-distance routes, and increasing cycling in municipalities with low modal shares. These scenarios are evaluated based on feasibility, required effort, and potential impact, to identify effective pathways toward the 30% target. Recognizing that varying growth potential across municipalities exist due to geography, work opportunities, and existing infrastructure; we group municipalities into clusters based on shared characteristics to create tailored strategies.
A robust monitoring framework evaluates progress every three years using historical data from local counts and surveys to assess growth trends and intervention effectiveness. This supports policymakers in refining strategies and ensuring continuous progress toward the 2040 target.
Throughout the study, a collaborative steering group of policymakers, mobility experts, local stakeholders, and academics refines the methodology and strategies, ensuring the final proposal is embraced across all levels of policymaking.