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Utilizing Intelligent Portable Bicycle Lights to Assess Urban Bicycle Infrastructure Surfaces

Author

Listed:
  • Tufail Ahmed

    (UHasselt, The Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium)

  • Ali Pirdavani

    (UHasselt, The Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
    UHasselt, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium)

  • Davy Janssens

    (UHasselt, The Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium)

  • Geert Wets

    (UHasselt, The Transportation Research Institute (IMOB), Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium)

Abstract

Vibration from bicycle infrastructure affects the cyclists’ comfort and the choice of this transportation mode. This study uses smart portable bicycle lights to measure the vibration and quantify the level of cycling comfort on cycling infrastructure. A total of 28 bicycle streets and paths were selected in the city of Hasselt, Belgium, as the case study area. Six volunteer cyclists were recruited for the vibration sensitivity test of the device before the actual data collection. The results showed no considerable difference in the vibration recorded separately on each tested bicycle surface. The average vibration values vary from 1 to 17.78, indicating that riding comfort varies significantly across different surfaces. Asphalt and concrete roads had the lowest vibration and were the most comfortable in the study area. In contrast, cobblestone-paved bike paths were the least comfortable because of higher vibration. A comfort level map was developed based on the relationship between cycle vibration and subjective perception of comfort level. Twenty cyclists participated in the perception of vibration test. The comfort level is inversely correlated with the vibration. This methodology is adaptable to any other setting. Additionally, practitioners can use it to check and track the quality of the surface of the bicycle infrastructure over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Tufail Ahmed & Ali Pirdavani & Davy Janssens & Geert Wets, 2023. "Utilizing Intelligent Portable Bicycle Lights to Assess Urban Bicycle Infrastructure Surfaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4495-:d:1086092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tufail Ahmed & Ali Pirdavani & Geert Wets & Davy Janssens, 2024. "Bicycle Infrastructure Design Principles in Urban Bikeability Indices: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-23, March.
    2. Kalina Grzesiuk & Dorota Jegorow & Monika Wawer & Anna Głowacz, 2023. "Energy-Efficient City Transportation Solutions in the Context of Energy-Conserving and Mobility Behaviours of Generation Z," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-28, August.

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