Citation

Everett M. J. Transp. Res. Forum 1990; 30(2): 360-366.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Transportation Research Forum)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In an earlier paper we found that mass bicycle commuting (10% of trips or more in an area) required separation from high speed-volume (SV) motor-vehicle traffic along with other conditions--commuting distances under several miles and trip times for bikes similar to or less than for cars. The present paper reports on follow ups on U.S. anomalies (i.e., reports of mass cycling mixing with moderate to high SV traffic) and the development of a regression model of mass bicycle commuting as a function of type of access and other key variables. The paper also provides estimates of threshold traffic levels which may inhibit mass cycling. The paper finds that cyclists in the anomalies had protection from high SV traffic by using sidewalks with curb cuts and low SV residential and campus roads. The regression model of mass bicycle commuting supports the above paradigm for mass cycling in the U.S. and suggests it may occur where bicycling provides faster transportation than driving, trips are short, and access on low SV roads or bikeways exist. We estimate a SV threshold barrier for mass cycling at 33 mph and 300 cars per lane per hour, although combinations of road characteristics may raise or lower this threshold.