TY - JOUR PY - 2012// TI - Behavior of riders of electric bicycles at onset of green and yellow at signalized intersections in China JO - Transportation research record A1 - Tang, Keshuang A1 - Dong, Sheng A1 - Wang, Fen A1 - Ni, Ying A1 - Sun, Jian SP - 85 EP - 96 VL - 2317 IS - N2 - In most Chinese cities, electric bicycles and electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have drastically increased in recent years and currently constitute the largest proportion of the nonmotorized traffic at signalized intersections. Proper treatment of e-bikes has become a vitally important issue in improving the operational efficiency and safety performance of signalized intersections. However, fundamental knowledge of the unique operating characteristics and behavior of riders of e-bikes under various conditions is insufficient. This study statistically analyzed critical behavioral parameters of e-bike riders and empirically modeled their start-up behavior at the green onset following a 3-s red-and-yellow signal and their stop-pass decision behavior at the yellow onset following a 3-s flashing green. Distribution types and parameters of desired speed, start-up time, acceleration rate, perception-reaction time, and deceleration rate were investigated with the use of highly accurate trajectory data. A temporal-spatial model was developed to interpret the start-up curve, and three binary logistic regression models were built to predict the stop-pass decisions for different rider groups. It was found that the start-up curve of e-bikes could be well described by a quadratic function and that the red-and-yellow signal significantly induced a hurried start. The potential time to the stop line at the decision point was found to be the dominant independent factor explaining the stop-pass decision of e-bike riders; the flashing green signal seemed to enlarge the option zone, bring the indecision zone earlier, and result in more aggressive passing behavior.

LA - en SN - 0361-1981 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/2317-11 ID - ref1 ER -