The Bartlett’s Centre for Advanced Spatial Analytics (CASA) presented the Annual CASA Prize for Best Paper on Spatial Analysis to Chris Larkin, PhD researcher in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Geospatial Systems at Newcastle University. The prize was presented during the 33rd Annual GIS Research UK Conference (GISRUK 2025) in Bristol.
Since 2010, CASA has presented the award annually at GISRUK in memory of alumnus, Sinesio Alves Junior, known as Junior to colleagues. The award recognises the best paper in spatial analysis, with priority given to early career researchers presenting highly innovative work in theoretical, methodological or applied contexts.
Chris won the prize for his paper, ‘Integrating Low Traffic Neighbourhoods into UK Cycle Network Planning’, which presents a new methodological approach to creating cycle network plans by using the safer cycling streets provided by Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) in the UK. The paper is co-authored by Chris Larkin, Clément Sebastiao, Anastassia Vybornova and Michael Szell from the IT University of Copenhagen and Complexity Science Hub, Vienna.
The research demonstrates how effective and well-connected networks can be created at reduced theoretical investment cost, utilising both hard and soft cycling infrastructure such as bike paths and LTNs. It finds that by closing short gaps between LTNs, rapid gains in network size and connectivity can be achieved with minimal kilometre investment. The research highlights that whilst cycle networks in the UK are currently disconnected, planners could maximise their use of existing infrastructure to create more cohesive cycle networks whilst working towards a fully developed network. The work advances algorithmic cycle network planning to consider not just segregated cycle infrastructure, but other areas of safer cycling, such as superblocks and LTNs.
More information