Context-sensitive, first-principles approach to bicycle speed estimation

Simone Tengattini; Alexander York Bigazzi

Context-sensitive, first-principles approach to bicycle speed estimation

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Author(s): Simone Tengattini¹ and Alexander York Bigazzi²
- Affiliations: 1: Department of Civil Engineering , The University of British Columbia , 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC , Canada V6T 1Z4 ;
  2: Department of Civil Engineering & School of Community and Regional Planning , University of British Columbia , 2029-6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC , Canada V6T 1Z4
Source: Volume 11, Issue 7, September 2017, p. 411 – 416
DOI: 10.1049/iet-its.2017.0012 , Print ISSN 1751-956X, Online ISSN 1751-9578

Received 16/01/2017, Accepted 15/07/2017, Revised 02/06/2017, Published 18/07/2017

Bicycle speed estimation is important for geometric design, traffic signal operations, microsimulation models, and health and safety assessment, among other applications. Bicycle speeds can vary greatly with the characteristics and power output of the rider and with travel conditions, especially road grade. This study presents a mathematical framework to address the non-trivial and practical problem of estimating bicycle free-flow speeds in a way that is sensitive to cyclist and roadway attributes. A closed expression is derived from first principles to determine speed from bicyclist power output. The method is extended to the problem of speed estimation for bicycles with limited gearing. Results are consistent with speed surveys in the literature. Application of the method to clearance interval calculation demonstrates the importance of context-sensitive bicycle speed estimation for advanced traffic signal systems.

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Context-sensitive, first-principles approach to bicycle speed estimation

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