Effect of width and boundary conditions on meeting maneuvers on two-way separated cycle tracks. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garcia, Alfredo; Gomez, Fernando Agustin; Llorca, Carlos; Angel-Domenech, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 78(2015)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Cycle track -- Cycle safety -- Instrumented bicycle -- Urban cycling; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2015.02.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: An instrumented bicycle collected data of meeting maneuvers on separated cycle tracks. Low lateral clearance, braking and stop pedaling indicated conflictive meetings. Conflicts were mainly located in tracks narrower than 1.6 m with lateral obstacles. Tracks should have at least 1.6 m width if physical barriers do not limit the track. Abstract: Cycle track design guidelines are rarely based on scientific studies. In the case of off-road two-way cycle tracks, a minimum width must facilitate both passing and meeting maneuvers, being meeting maneuvers the most frequent. This study developed a methodology to observe meeting maneuvers using an instrumented bicycle, equipped with video cameras, a GPS tracker, laser rangefinders and speed sensors. This bicycle collected data on six two-way cycle tracks ranging 1.3–2.15 m width delimitated by different boundary conditions. The meeting maneuvers between the instrumented bicycle and every oncoming bicycle were characterized by the meeting clearance between the two bicycles, the speed of opposing bicycle and the reaction of the opposing rider: change in trajectory, stop pedaling or braking. The results showed that meeting clearance increased with the cycle track width and decreased if the cycle track had lateral obstacles, especially if they were higher than the bicycle handlebar. The speed of opposing bicycle shown the same tendency, although were more disperse. Opposing cyclists performed more reaction maneuvers on narrower cycle tracks and on cycle tracks with lateral obstacles to the handlebar height. Conclusions suggested avoiding cycle tracks narrower than 1.6 m, as they present lower meeting clearances, lower bicycle speeds and frequent reaction maneuvers.