Redesign of the cross-section of bicycle lanes considering electric bicycles

Abstract

The design of a bicycle lane's cross-section has a significant influence on the riding behaviours of cyclists. Wider bicycle lanes can encourage users of electric bicycles (e-bikes) to ride within the lane by providing the necessary riding space, which will improve the safety and efficiency of overall multi-level heterogeneous traffic flow. An empirical cross-section design was obtained based on field observations of the riding characteristics of e-bike users at four road sections in Xi'an, China. Vehicle widths, the gaps between vehicles and additional security gaps were considered in order to optimise the design of the cross-section. The results indicate that users of e-bikes within heterogeneous traffic flow need more lateral space for safe riding. The cross-section of bicycle lanes should allow the completion of overtaking manoeuvres, and the results suggest the cross-section needs to be wider than 3 m and no less than 2·6 m. The recommendations of cross-sections with different physical separations were carefully calibrated in order to meet riding requirements. The findings of this study provide reference material for the design of bicycle lanes with consideration of e-bikes.

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