Abstract
To provide a knowledge basis for updating the design speed in bicycle facility codes, this paper examines factors that influence bicycle free-flow speed. We investigated six segments of Nanjing’s separated bicycle lane and established a generalized linear model of the relationship between bicycle free-flow speed and bicyclists’ gender, age, bicycle type, lane width, bicycle lateral position, and travel period. With the model, we determined the statistical significance of each factor and assessed each factor’s impact extent. Through comparing the 85th percentile speeds of different groups, we proposed the recommended values and a method for calculating the design speed of separate bicycle lanes. The following results and conclusions were obtained: (1) The significant influential factors of bicycle free-flow speed were bicyclists’ gender and age, bicycle type, lane width, and bicycles’ lateral position. (2) Bicycle type had the greatest impact on bicycle free-flow speed, following by bicycle lateral position, gender, age, and lane width in sequence. (3) The recommended design speeds for separate lanes of less than 3.5 m and the wider lanes were 25 km/h and 30 km/h, respectively.
Highlights
In recent years, Chinese cities have experienced a noticeable increase in electric bicycles (EB), because of their higher speeds, flexibility, and low cost
Lane widths, riding position, and travelling period are examined for determining the design speed of bicycle facilities
Bicycle type imposes an important impact on bicycle performance
Summary
Chinese cities have experienced a noticeable increase in electric bicycles (EB), because of their higher speeds, flexibility, and low cost. By the end of 2017, EB ownership reached. 250 million and is still growing at a fast rate [1]. Having replaced the conventional human-powered bicycle, EBs have become the dominant bicycle type in bicycle travel and have increased bicycle flow speed dramatically [2,3]. Accidents related to electric bikes have been significantly increasing [4]. In contrast to conventional bicycles (CB), EBs are faster, heavier, and more demanding in terms of steering control. This means of transport is playing a more important role in commuting
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