Evaluation of Interactions between Buses and Bicycles at Stops

Abstract

Buses and bicycles that share lanes interfere with each other, especially at bus stops. The primary objective of this study was to develop quantitative approaches to analyze interactions between buses and bicycles at bus stops. Field investigations were conducted at four types of bus stops in China. Observed data were used to test the significance of differences in bicycle speeds, and a model was proposed to predict the number of meeting events between buses and bicycles. Results indicate that bicycle speeds are influenced significantly when a bicyclist meets a bus at a bus stop where both vehicle types share the same lane. Setting strips to separate bus and bicycle movement trajectories can reduce or eliminate the impact on efficiency and safety. The number of meeting events between buses and bicycles can be used to characterize the level of service of this facility shared by buses and bicycles. The proposed model achieved relatively accurate prediction for the number of meeting events. The findings can contribute to a quantitative understanding of the effects on buses and bicycles at stops and to an evaluation of this facility shared by buses and bicycles.