Bicycle Paths Research Articles

Eco-efficient asphalt recycling for urban slow mobility

Cycling infrastructures contribute to advancing zero-impact transport systems, aligning with the European Commission’s proactive climate change mitigation policies. This paper explores the potential of innovative and sustainable pavements for cycling paths with mixtures composed of road-milling materials. This investigation involves low-environmental-impact bituminous-based mixtures differing from recipe, mixing method, and laying. Up to 100% secondary aggregates are used as alternative materials to design the Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Biciclette (GRAB), a 44-km cycling ring in Rome. According to the European standard EN 15804, their “from cradle to gate” life cycle analysis allows a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the environmental impact. Core and additional environmental impact categories and resource use indicators were quantified using primary data from asphalt producers and secondary data from the Ecoinvent database in the SimaPro software. Within the H2020 InfraROB project (grant agreement no. 955337), which aims at enhancing road infrastructure integrity, performance, and safety through autonomous robotic solutions and modularization, experimental sections have been constructed using a cold-mixed asphalt composed entirely of recycled asphalt and a rejuvenating additive. The results underscore the potential of the examined low-impact approach in conserving Earth’s resources, ensuring long-lasting infrastructure for vulnerable urban populations and fostering sustainable environmental management.

Business models on the basis of digital infrastructure data

The project Ready for Smart City Robots (R4R) is developing strategies for the detailed capture of infrastructural environmental parameters. These are intended to be utilized for autonomous mobility and logistics applications on pedestrian and bicycle paths. The project evaluates the quality and completeness of data for Smart City concepts, using examples from (autonomous) micro-mobility in logistics and transportation. The results encompass the following areas: firstly, the identification of necessary environmental information for environmentally friendly, automated last-mile logistics, along with a continuous data collection method for up-to-date information. Secondly, the examination of various integration scenarios for autonomous delivery services and an autonomous bicycle rental system in rural areas. This includes the development of application scenarios and the scientific support of the prototype construction of the necessary technical prerequisites for the data/sensor boxes. The following outlines the business model potentials for data collection, autonomous micro-mobility, sharing services, and Smart City applications.

IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON URBAN CYCLING

Little is known about the importance of different variables in shaping cyclists' risk perception when cycling in urban areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of environmental and demographic factors on cyclists' perception of risk in urban cycling. We conducted a study in the central area of a large city, Qazvin, Iran. A linear mixed model was developed to predict the cyclists’ angular movement. Twenty-six cyclists were included in this study. The outcome variable was the change in the cyclists' angular movement as a surrogate for risk perception, and the predictors were the personal characteristics and environmental features. Cycling through residential and commercial areas, one-way routes, routes with speed limits, wide routes ≥ 12 m, existing bike lanes, traffic volume, and path elevation (all P≤0.001) are associated with angular movement. However, sex, age, cycling history, psychological distress score, and presence of parks are not significant predictors of the angular movement. While the cyclist characteristics do not show significant correlations with the angular movement, environmental factors have significant effects on the cyclists’ risk perception. Our research provides insight into the factors that influence the cyclists’ risk perception in urban areas. Environmental factors have significant impacts on the cyclists’ risk perception. This study highlights the critical role of cycling infrastructure in shaping the cyclists’ risk perception and it provides implications for urban planners and policymakers.

РАЗВИТИЕ ГОРОДА НА ОСНОВЕ КОНКУРСНОЙ ЗАЯВКИ ПО МАЛЫМ ГОРОДАМ И ИСТОРИЧЕСКИМ ПОСЕЛЕНИЯМ

Abstract. The article is a study devoted to the development and implementation of the project "Tatar legends – to the city by the old road along Commune Street" in the city of Arsk. The study is based on the analysis of surveys of residents who identified the need for improvement and development of the route, as well as the identification of problems existing in the project area.
 The subject of the study: The reconstruction of the Commune Street in the city of Arsk on the basis of its comprehensive strategic development plan, which includes effective management strategies, sustainable infrastructure development and the promotion of cultural and social events to attract tourism and increase the economic potential of the city.
 Materials and methods: During the study, an analysis of the existing urban infrastructure was applied to identify critical issues requiring improvement in the city of Arsk, a survey and collection of feedback from residents to determine their needs and preferences for urban development.
 Results: The article describes the proposed solutions, which include the creation of convenient sidewalks, lighting, bike paths, the construction of a new bridge and the reorganization of the intersection. The restoration of the identity of the station square and the development of the historical space are also being considered. The authors emphasize the importance of the project for the city of Arsk and its potential to improve infrastructure and attract tourists. Landscaping of the territory will allow for various events such as wedding ceremonies, fairs and festivals, which helps to increase the attractiveness of the city. The article presents the financing of the project and the projected revenues from the operation of the projected territory, as well as its connection with the development of municipal districts. It is expected that the implementation of the project will lead to positive and long-term changes in the city of Arsk, contributing to its economic development.
 Conclusions: The study presents important practical and theoretical results, supported by data from surveys of residents and proposed solutions to improve the infrastructure of the city of Arsk and its development as a tourist destination.

Development Of Paving Block Pave Structure Based On Type Of Pattern In Light Traffic For Traffic Safety And Comfort

Factors that cause accidents include traffic characteristics and road infrastructure, environmental conditions, vehicle design and specifications, and human factors. The object of this study is road infrastructure, namely the road structure at traffic light stops points because the accident hazard at crossroads is a determinant of traffic safety and driving comfort. In Coastal Area/Upstream Area, To overcome road infrastructure problems at traffic light points which are the cause of traffic safety and driving comfort, the design of Concrete block pavement is one of the solutions to overcome these problems. Concrete block pavement is often used for the construction of sidewalks, bicycle paths, residential driveways, parking lots, industrial areas as well as harbors and airports and other permeable areas. Concrete block pavement is used in Europe in extreme weather. Specially designed concrete block pavement innovations can withstand heavy static traffic loads such as rigid pavements, and these can be readjusted easily if a change in pavement layout is required. The method used in this study uses pure experimentation with the parameters of the variation of the pattern, the variation of the type, and the variation of the dimensions. This research uses the Autocad, PLAXIS and SAP2000 programs. This program finds moments and deformations that occur in the modeled paving blocks as well as soil deflections that occur due to deformation loads in various shapes (brick). The results obtained from the analysis of previous research show that there is the most optimum shape among the brick paving block shapes with a thickness of 6, 8 and 10 cm. The way to determine it is to make a paving block preparation simulation with the SketchUp, PLAXIS and SAP2000 programs. From the program calculations, the interlocking aspects, land subsidence and deformation aspects are produced.

Guild‐specific response of bats to motion‐triggered LED lighting of bicycle trails

AbstractMotion‐triggered light‐emitting diodes (LED) could reduce light pollution; however, its effect on nocturnal animals is poorly known. Here, we investigated how bats respond to the motion‐triggered lighting of a bicycle path, an infrastructure that is increasingly being built to support human mobility. We measured the acoustic activity of bats in relation to the activity of LED lights. The responses of bats varied during the night and between functional guilds: Edge‐space foraging bats avoided LED lighting, but the response was less clear during early and late night. Open‐space foraging and narrow‐space foraging bats avoided the LED lighting, especially late at night. The foraging intensity remained relatively stable across the night for bats of all guilds. We conclude that the motion‐sensitive LED lighting of bicycle paths induces a guild‐specific avoidance response in bats, which could be mitigated by shorter lighting periods.

도시의 산업구조 변화에 따른 도시디자인 전략 연구

A city that takes on collapse of regional core industry would reset vision of city, seek new growth engine industry, and establish urban planning to rebuild regional economy and recover city's vitality. In 90s Malmö city of Sweden encountered a financial catastrophe resulted by bankruptcy of shipbuilding industry which had supported Malmö's Economy. Malmö city set ups Eco City as future vision of city, and drives related projects and policy to achieve goals. As result, high tech industry companies flow in and population of city grows and Malmö is chosen as the best lively city in Europe. The Study aims to suggest strategy and methods of urban design for reference of Korea city where meet similar crises through analyzing success of Malmö. Even Malmö selects high-tech industry as new engine for city, urban design of Malmö focuses on life quality of citizen, and invests projects to visualize city vision. The city establishes detaild design guideline to realize ‘eco-city’, and develop urban design to practice and experience eco-life such as green area, bike path, and energy recycle. Malmö gives lessons including cooperative setting of city vision, urban design centered on residence, linkage with vision and design, and importance of landmark.

Bicycle Infrastructure Design Principles in Urban Bikeability Indices: A Systematic Review

Bicycling is a sustainable form of micromobility and offers numerous health and environmental benefits. Scientific studies investigating bikeability have grown substantially, especially over the past decade. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the developed urban bikeability indices (BIs). The paper provides insight into the scientific literature on bikeability as a tool to measure bicycle environment friendliness; more importantly, the paper seeks to know if the BIs consider bicycle infrastructure design principles. Data extraction included identifying the geographical location, essential indicators, sample size and distribution, data source, the unit of analysis, measurement scale, methods used to weigh indicators, and identification of studies using bicycle design principles in BIs. The database search yielded 1649 research articles using different keywords and combinations, while 15 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The studies were found to be conducted in various geographical locations. The unit of analysis for developing the index varied across studies, from street segments or bicycle lanes to zones within the city or even the entire city. The most commonly utilized method in developing urban BIs was a scoring and weighting system to weigh the indicators. The weighting methods include an equal weight system, survey-based and literature review-based methods, expert surveys, the analytic hierarchy process, and a weighted linear combination model. The essential criterion is bicycle infrastructure, such as bike lanes, routes, and bicycle paths as 14 studies considered it for the construction of the BIs. The review findings suggest a lack of consideration of all five bicycle infrastructure design principles, as only three studies considered them all, while others only included a subset. Safety and comfort are the most commonly considered principles, while coherence is the least considered principles in the BIs. It is crucial to consider all five bicycle infrastructure design principles to create a bicycle-friendly environment and attract more people to this sustainable mode of transportation.

Analysis of the manufacturing of concrete paving blocks with by-products from thermoelectric power plant

The key factor in constructing urban roads applying interlocking concrete block pavement (ICBP) is to employ an appropriate design method for better effectiveness. Concrete paving blocks (CPB) can also be manufactured using industrial by-products. Then, this paper aims to analyze CPB with coal bottom ash (CBA) from a Thermoelectric Power Plant through mechanical characterization and design methods for ICBP. To this end, tests, such as void index, water absorption, compressive strength, and elasticity modulus, were done on CPB for each mixture. Furthermore, empirical and mechanistic-empirical design methods for ICBP were applied. Then, four dry concrete mixtures (two with CBA and two without CBA) were designed with two water/cement ratios (0.63 and 0.73) to produce rectangular CPB measuring 20 cm × 10 cm × 8 cm (length × width × thickness) by a vibro-press machine. Furthermore, ICBP sections were designed, applying six simulations from empirical and mechanistic-empirical design methods. The results showed that the mixtures A73 and B73 with more water, i.e., water/cement ratio of 0.73, presented higher characteristic compressive strength at 28 days (25.34 MPa and 15.88 MPa, respectively) than the other mixes A63 and B63 with less water, i.e., water/cement ratio of 0.63 (these two mixes showed 15.85 MPa). Furthermore, the CPB application for bike paths or parking areas was allowed according to the Australian specification of 15 MPa for compressive strength test. Also, all ICBP sections from the mechanistic-empirical design required approximately 24.9% fewer materials for the sub-base layer than the empirical process. Finally, the CPB application is possible for areas with light traffic, and the ICBP technology was more feasible with the mechanistic-empirical design method.

Analysis of E-Scooter Crashes in the City of Bari

The remarkable impact that e-scooters have had on the transportation system drives research on this phenomenon. The widespread use of e-scooters also poses several new safety issues, which should be necessarily studied. The aim of this paper points in this direction, investigating the main contributing factors, causes, and patterns of recorded e-scooter crashes, considering also different crash types and severity, using the City of Bari (Italy) as a case study. The crash dataset based on police reports and referring to the period July 2020–November 2022 (i.e., the first period of e-scooter implementation in the City of Bari) was investigated. Crashes were clustered according to several variables. No fatal crashes occurred, even though crashes mostly resulted in injuries (70%). Considering road type, divided roads were found to be less safe than undivided ones, due to higher mean speeds than on other roads and to a less constrained e-scooter driving behavior. Calm (off-peak) daytime hours seem to lead to more frequent e-scooter crashes with respect to both peak and nighttime hours, even if the latter hours are associated with an increased severity. Once controlled for exposure, season, lighting conditions, and the private/sharing ratio do not seem influential. E-scooters are more prone to be involved in single-vehicle and pedestrian crashes at segments than other vehicles, but they show similar crash trends than other vehicles (i.e., angle crashes) at intersections. As emerged from traffic surveys, not all e-scooter users were found to use cycle paths. Combining this information with crash data, it seems that not using cycle paths is considerably less safe than using them. Besides engineering measures and policies, awareness campaigns should be promoted to elicit safe users’ behavior and to tackle the several violations and misbehaviors emerging from the crash data.

Failure mechanism of hot dry rock under the coupling effect of thermal cycling and direct shear loading path

Inducing shear failure in reservoir rocks is a critical strategy for enhancing hot dry rock resource exploitation, as it promotes the development of an extensive fracture network. In this study, granite was subjected to direct shear tests under three distinct temperatures and five thermal cycling treatments. Utilizing acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques, the shear failure traits and the evolutionary patterns of cracks in granite under diverse thermal cycling treatments were probed. Experimental results reveal that the direct shear strength of granite initially decreases, subsequently rebounds with increasing thermal cycles, and exhibits a steady decrease with temperature increase. Effects of thermal shock provoke a surge in AE counts and energy during the initial half of the shearing process, steering the failure mode of the samples from brittle to plastic. Furthermore, the macro crack morphology changes from a singular shear crack to a pair of parallel shear cracks, becoming intricately complex at elevated temperatures (600 °C). Additionally, the initiation of the main shear crack in granite consistently manifests a mixed tensile-shear failure, with the proportion of shear action displaying a positive correlation with temperature. In contrast, the proximal secondary cracks are purely tension-initiated. Finally, a competitive mechanism between rock strengthening and weakening induced by thermal cycles treatment was proposed to explain the remarkable rebound in direct shear strength following thermal cycling treatment. The current work provides insights for the mechanism of shear failure in rocks under different thermal cycling conditions in geothermal reservoir stimulation.

Bicycle Opportunity Spectrum: a framework for classifying and categorizing the different landscapes for cycling

ABSTRACT There is cycling leisure in various landscapes where different management challenges emerge needing unique, context-specific strategies. Managers must be critical of these landscape nuances to produce suitable planning directives corresponding to the case of these certain environments. In this study, the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) was adapted to the bike activity to create a Bicycle Opportunity Spectrum (BOS) framework. These cycling landscapes were processed into a regional-scale tool based on the compatibilities between landscape types and cyclist needs to produce satisfactory experiences. The development of the tool was based on diverse cycling experiences elaborated during focus group discussions (FGDs). This resulted in a framework of four landscape classifications (Urban, Rural, Natural with Road, and Natural with Trail) and criteria of seven (Bike Route, Path Remoteness, Infrastructure Development, Viewshed, Path Interactivity, Support Facilities and Services, and Pathway Management). The framework was tested by evaluating the cycling landscapes of Taichung City, Taiwan. The results, validated by the FGD participants verified the fitness of the BOS towards evaluating bikeways, creating a tool for bikeway management applicable to various landscape classes.

URBAN PLANNING APPROACHES TO PLANNING THE BEAUTIFICATION SYSTEM OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS DURING THEIR RECONSTRUCTION

The analysis of planning experience of inhabited localities urban beautification in view of reconstruction was undertaken in the article. The question of Ukrainian experience of urban beautification system in accordance with approved standards and State Constructional Standards was envisaged. Analysis of validation state of local documents in urban beautification field was carried out and it has shown deficient percentage of regulatory documents approval on local level, which is one of key issues of urban beautification development. Furthermore, detailed analysis of foreign experience of urban beautification planning and development trend of this system I such countries, as USA, Canada, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan was carried out. It is shown that first and critical stage of planning of effective urban beautification is preparing and approving corresponding certificates and standards. Emphasis added to functioning normative legal documents on issues relating to urban beautification, in accordance to which the territory reconstruction in mentioned countries is realized. It was established that reference direction of urban beautification development in mentioned countries lies in parking lots removing out of the borders of curtilage or underground parking arrangement, landscape gardening development and classification of such territories by levels of urban gardening, territory reconstruction in accordance with typical schemes of street infrastructure development, urban gardening, cycle paths, etc. It is shown that problem solution of habitable open grounds organization on city level resides in usage intensification of such territories, and on the level of residential compounds – in increasing exploitation properties of open grounds. As a result of undertaken analysis it was established that raised problem of increasing the effectiveness of residential area usage within residential areas imposes complex approach, including question of land development intensiveness, architectural and planning organization and open grounds beautification.

Sustainable Approach to the Development of the Tourism Sector in the Conditions of Global Challenges

The main objective of this study is to present the feasibility of rerouting the EuroVelo 6 through the Fruška Gora National Park (Serbia) as a sustainable eco-tourism product. Our research was conducted with a survey and field interviews. The first part of this research involved consulting 717 cyclists from six EU countries, and the opinions of local entrepreneurs and employees of the national park were also investigated. An architect made a “blueprint” info board as a proposal for trails within the national park. The purpose of conducting this research was to show the importance of retracing an international route. Cyclists expressed their satisfaction with the proposed F1 track to the greatest extent. The results of the survey of employees of the NP suggested the sustainability of cycling tourists because they showed great responsibility in their behavior, and the results of the domestic entrepreneurs particularly pointed to some economic aspects of the development of cycling, as well as its impact on the empowerment of women in rural destinations. It was concluded that rerouting the “Danube Cycle Route” through the Fruška Gora National Park is feasible and sustainable. The results obtained in this study provide a justification for this retracing because it turns out that cyclists are desirable, responsible, and sustainable tourists who have a significant impact on the destinations and people they are directed to. This research will be applied to every attractive part along EuroVelo 6, thus expanding the network of cycle paths.

Bicycle-related accidents in Rome: Investigating clinical patterns, demographics, injury contexts, and health outcomes for enhanced public safety

IntroductionThis study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographic features, and injury circumstances of patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli (IRCCS) in Rome, Italy, due to bicycle accidents. MethodsData on clinical characteristics, accident timing, injury circumstances, and helmet use were collected for ED patients involved in bicycle accidents from January 2019 to December 2022. Subsequently, Abbreviated Injury Scale codes of all diagnoses were recorded and the Injury Severity Score was calculated. ResultsOver the study period, 763 patients were admitted to the ED following bicycle accidents, with a 0.3 % fatality rate and a 30.4 % frequency of multitrauma. Multivariate analysis revealed that collisions with other vehicles increased trauma severity and the risk of ICU admission. Conversely, helmet use was associated with reduced severity of head trauma and a lower likelihood of ICU admission. Notably, toxicological investigations were not conducted for any ED-admitted patients. ConclusionsAlthough a low mortality rate and a low incidence of multi-trauma have been shown in comparison to other nations, it is necessary to adopt prevention strategies like safety devices, more cycle paths, and better infrastructures on the one hand, and stricter laws on the other. It is essential to require toxicological testing in Italy for all accidents involving this means of transport, and to make helmet use compulsory for all ages.

Sandiaoling eco-friendly tunnel soundscape and virtual reality analysis

Soundscape of Sandiaoling Ecological Tunnel, a 1.852 km bike path tunnel, has been studied for the taxonomy of sound sources, equivalent sound pressure levels, and the perceived sonic quality. This paper focuses on examining simulated sound source propagations in the tunnel using both omni and directional sound sources with Odeon Room Acoustic software. Additionally, it compares the specific receivers’ auralizations with in situ recorded sounds in a virtual reality model along with a questionnaire to evaluate the distinctions between the two. The preliminary results showed that the simulated sonic quality in tunnel is less reverberant than expected. Proximity of receivers to sound source, the boundary of air to source and receivers inside tunnel as well as the absorption, scattering and transparency coefficients of materials used in simulated model are adjusted. Future work will explore into audio post-production and visual effects.

The problem of air pollution in the capital of Ecuador, Quito and ways to solve it

The studies were aimed at assessing the degree of air pollution in the capital of Ecuador, Quito. The main causes of air pollution and its impact on public health have been identified. The paper presents the results of a survey of the population of the Los Dos Puentes area, which reflected public opinion on this problem. The study looked at major air pollutants including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone and particulate matter under 10 microns PM10. The above-mentioned air pollutants were quantified and the data obtained were analyzed. It has been revealed that the main sources of air pollution in Quito are emissions from the exhaust pipes of vehicles — cars and motorcycles. It was shown that when monitoring was carried out at four of the five control sampling points, the highest level of pollution was recorded in November, and the lowest in October. Data from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health is presented that most of the deaths associated with air pollution occur as a result of the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system (80 %), and the percentage of deaths from other diseases is also given. The programs carried out by the state and municipal government of the metropolitan area of Quito to organize transport and minimize the consequences of its negative impact on the environment are presented in order to reduce air pollution, improve the environmental situation in the region and fulfill the wishes of citizens, such as the Trolleybus Project, Ecovia Project, Network bike paths, PICO and PLACA (PI-CO and PLACA), Technical Review of Vehicles (RTV) and the Metropolitan Atmospheric Monitoring Network of Quito (REMMAQ). A description of each project and its specific results are given (reducing the amount of pollutant emissions into the city's atmosphere).

A CASE STUDY ON CYCLIST ROUTE CHOICE MODEL

This research focuses on improving cycle path design by analyzing the determinants of route choice for bicycle users. The study uses a large GPS dataset to develop a route choice model for the inner-city of Amsterdam. The main research question is to identify the factors that influence route choice decisions, which is broken down into sub-questions related to the contribution of the GPS dataset to route choice models, the relevant variables for bicycle users' route choices, and the effect of these variables on route choice. The study finds that route attributes, such as distance and cycle path quality, and contextual variables, such as trip type and time of day, have a significant effect on bicycle users' route choices. The results provide insights for designing more desirable bicycle infrastructure in urban areas.

Public support for proposed government policies to optimise the social benefits of autonomous vehicles

Governments will have a key role in establishing the policy environment needed to optimise the social outcomes associated with the evolution of autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, little is known about the extent to which the general public would support the diverse range of policies that could be implemented across human transport and product delivery AV applications. To address this deficit, the aim of the present study was to explore public support for a range of human transport and product delivery AV policies. In total, 1078 adult Australians completed an online survey that assessed transport-related attitudes and behaviours, including support for 11 AV policies pertaining to human transport and product delivery AV applications. Results suggest policies that ensure walking and cycling paths are prioritised for active transport (supported by 65%), limit the numbers of personal flying passenger AVs in the airspace (62%) and delivery bots on streets (64%), and ensure that those with mobility limitations have priority access to autonomous product deliveries (60%) are likely to be acceptable to the general community. To a somewhat lesser extent, limiting the operating hours for AV delivery services (51%) and banning the advertising of unhealthy foods and beverages on the surface areas of delivery AVs (50%) are also likely to be broadly accepted.

Two experiments on trading information goods in a network

We examine the impact of a cycle path on the trading of a copyable information good in a network experimentally. A cycle path in a network allows a buyer to become a reseller who can compete against existing sellers by replicating the good. A theoretical prediction considers that the price of the information good, even with the first transaction where there is not yet a reseller competing with the original seller, will be lower in networks with a cycle path than otherwise. However, our experiment reveals that the observed price for the first transaction is significantly higher in networks with a cycle path. An additional experiment that enhances competition also does not support the theoretical prediction.