Assessment of Bicycle Infrastructure Surface with Portable Bicycle Lights

Abstract

The degree of vibration on various bicycle infrastructure types can significantly impact how comfortable cyclists feel and their mode choice. Cyclists view vibration as one of the most crucial indicators of comfort while riding. In this study, smart portable bicycle lights are used to measure 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. Two portable lights were installed on the bicycle to record the vibration. 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 on the bicycle surface. The average vibration values vary from 1 to 17.78, indicating that riding comfort varies significantly across bicycle segments. In addition, asphalt and concrete paved roads produced the lowest vibration and are the most comfortable bicycle pavement in the study area. In contrast, the cobblestone paved bicycle paths were the least comfortable since they created the highest 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.