Skid Resistance Analysis of Urban Bike Lane Pavements for Safe Micromobility

Abstract

The use of micromobility vehicles is considerably growing in cities worldwide. As a result, crashes involving these vehicles are also increasing, with single-bicycle crashes accounting for a significant percentage. In most infrastructure-related crashes, the road surface was slippery. In this context, the study of pavement skid resistance is crucial to improve micromobility safety. In this research, the British pendulum tester was used to test the skid resistance of 5 different types of pavements on 17 bike lane locations in Valencia (Spain). Additionally, micromobility users’ speed was collected to analyse users’ behaviour. The results showed that asphalt, concrete, and rough painted tile pavements had the greatest skid resistance, whereas painted cobble and smooth painted tile pavements presented poor skid resistance. These values were compared with the limits set by the few guidelines that includes skid resistance thresholds. Moreover, skid resistance variability was also studied, with asphalt pavement being the most homogeneous. Based on the results of the research, several recommendations are proposed for the pavement to be used in the micromobility facility according to its typology. To this end, the investigatory level of skid resistance and the minimum braking distance required were also defined for each type of pavement and bike lane. The findings of this study contribute to the consideration of micromobility safety from the construction stage to the pavement management.