Patronage of the cycling mode is enhanced if the cyclist feels comfortable and safe when sharing road infrastructure with motorists. The perception of riding comfort can influence the decision to cycle or not. Cyclists are vulnerable road users and don't feel secure in the company of faster motorised modes, especially when they have to manoeuvre an intersection. Fundamental research is required to establish key factors that influence the cyclists' perception of comfort at intersections. These factors may include geometric, operational and environmental conditions. The relative significance of these factors is modelled quantitatively in the form of a Comfort Index and is analogous to the concept of Bicycle Compatibility Index developed by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration for mid-block road segments. This paper describes a research project in North Queensland, Australia to model the comfort level of cyclists at several intersections in Cairns and Townsville. Some preliminary results of an extensive survey conducted for this study are presented. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210413.
Samenvatting