Bicyclist Performance on a Multiuse Trail

Abstract

Bicyclist crossing time from a full stop was measured using video recording equipment at 16 diverse trail-roadway intersections (two to six lanes, stop or signal controlled, divided or undivided) of the Pinellas Trail in Pinellas County, Florida. A total of 442 bicyclists (single individuals or randomly selected individuals from a group) were timed. The cruising speed of 65 bicyclists was also determined. A linear regression model was fit to the time and crossing-distance data. A linear regression was also fit to eight 85th percentile crossing-time points that were calculated from grouped raw data. Using kinematic physics, in which bicycle acceleration and intersection crossing velocity are variables, a theoretical equation was derived to predict bicyclist crossing time for any distance. This derived equation is a linear function of distance, so the regression coefficients could then be used to estimate bicyclist crossing velocity and acceleration on the Pinellas Trail. These estimated values for bicyclist acceleration and intersection crossing velocity compare favorably with the scant available data from foreign and domestic sources. Thus, the crossing-time prediction equation can be a useful tool when designing intersections for bicyclists, with application in signal timing and crossing-sight distance calculations.