This paper presents some results of a study of Dutch cycle tracks carrying both bicycles and mopeds. It considers only quality of operation, defined as the proportion of users who perceive hindrance, and assumes that safety requirements are adequately met by optimising track lane width. A simulation model was used to compute the quality of traffic operation for users of a separate cycle track. In terms of track width, traffic volume, traffic composition and speeds, it estimated the amount of hindrance to cyclists, by calculating the frequency of different manoeuvres. A field survey estimated the amount of hindrance, perceived by cycle track users in real situations. Three types of vehicles were considered: types of vehicles were considered: (1) solo bicycles; (2) duo bicycles; and (3) mopeds. Manoeuvres were analysed with respect to the conflicts that they caused. The survey was conducted on four homogeneous sections of tracks, of which two were one-way and two were two-way; its hindrance results are summarised. The results can be used to determine traffic volumes, at which the quality of operation just exceeds a given level. The effects of proportions of mopeds and duos and of directional split are indicated.
Abstract