Study on the Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Traffic Flow Parameters of Non-Motorized Vehicles on Highway Segments Crossing Small Towns

Abstract

The traffic flow of non-motorized vehicles on the highway segments crossing small towns is disorderly and chaotic. In order to improve the traffic environment and regulate the order of non-motorized operations, this article studies the spatial and temporal distribution and traffic flow parameters of non-motorized traffic on the highway segments crossing small towns. The non-motorized traffic within the section of the National Highway G310 crossing small towns in Henan Province, China, is investigated through various research tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and on-site statistics. The regularity and characteristics of non-motorized traffic in terms of travel purpose, travel distance, travel time, and travel frequency were obtained. Meanwhile, based on the actual collected traffic data, the speed–density relationship, flow rate–density relationship, and speed–distance relationship of non-motorized traffic flow were studied using mathematical and statistical methods. The results show that thresholds exist for both time and distance traveled by non-motorized vehicles on small town road sections. The threshold value of riding time is 30 min, and the threshold value of riding distance is 5 km. Under the free flow state, the speed distribution is near a certain desired speed, and the flow rate–density relationship conforms to the exponential function relationship when the flow rate is greater than the critical flow value. The speed and distance show a cubic function relationship, and the speed gradually increases with the increase in distance between the non-motorized vehicles and towns. Based on the results of the above analysis, it is possible to grasp the travel regularity of non-motorized cyclists on highway segments crossing small towns. This provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the efficiency of non-motorized travel and improving the non-motorized travel environment.