Analysis of the Influence of Sport Cyclists on Narrow Two-Lane Rural Roads Using Instrumented Bicycles and Microsimulation

[EN] It is frequent to see cyclists on Spanish two-lane rural roads, both riding individually and in groups. However, these roads were designed only for motorized vehicles, most of them having a narrow section with a null or impassable shoulder. Currently, drivers and cyclists have to share roads and interact, affecting both safety and traffic operation. The possibility of overtaking offers an improvement in traffic operation, however on narrow roads it can be difficult, meaning a greater invasion of the opposite lane thus creating more dangerous situations and implying a higher overtaking duration. To analyze the phenomenon, field data from instrumented bicycles and naturalistic videos were collected, then some performance measures to characterize safety and traffic operation were obtained. To increase the number of overtaking manoeuvres and performance measures obtained from observations, microsimulation has been used by adapting a model to include cyclists and their interaction with motorized vehicles. The traffic microsimulator was calibrated and validated with field data. The results show that cycle traffic presence decreases motorized vehicle average travel speed and increases percent followers and delays. Microsimulation can be used to study other traffic scenarios and can help road administrations to safely and efficiently integrate cyclists to vehicular traffic on rural roads.This research was funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, grant number TRA2016-80897-R and project titled: "Improvement of safety and operation of two-lane rural roads with cyclists (Bike2Lane)"; and by the Direccion General de Trafico of Spain, grant number SPIP2017-02280 and project title: "Road safety countermeasures for two-lane rural roads with groups of cyclists (Safe4Bikes)".Moll Montaner, S.; López-Maldonado, G.; García García, A. (2021). Analysis of the Influence of Sport Cyclists on Narrow Two-Lane Rural Roads Using Instrumented Bicycles and Microsimulation. Sustainability. 13(3):1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031235S11713

Mezclas Bituminosas: Ensayo de Rodadura y Ensayo de Sensibilidad al Agua

Las mezclas bituminosas se utilizan en las capas superiores del firme de carreteras. Deben de cumplir unas especificaciones de resistencia según el uso que vayan a tener, estas especificaciones se comprueban con los ensayos normalizados correspondientes. En este artículo se describen los ensayos de rodadura y de sensibilidad al agua, que se realizan sobre mezclas bituminosas ya dosificadas para comprobar sus características. Se presentan los resultados de estos ensayos y la adecuación de estos resultados para los diversos usos.López Maldonado, G.; Moll Montaner, S. (2020). Mezclas Bituminosas: Ensayo de Rodadura y Ensayo de Sensibilidad al Agua. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/142215DE

Driver behavior when overtaking cyclists riding in different group configurations on two-lane rural roads

[EN] The presence of cyclists on Spanish rural roads is ever increasing and currently frequent, and thus becoming a serious safety concern. In rural environments, the risk of a crash is higher than in rural areas. The main cause is the higher speed of motor vehicles during overtaking manoeuvres. This manoeuvre is especially challenging when cyclists ride in groups as they may change size, length, shape, and speed along their route. These variables and those related to road cross-section can influence driver behaviour when overtaking a group of cyclists. To study this, instrumented bicycles were used to ride along five road segments with different geometric and traffic characteristics. Cyclists rode individually and in groups. Overtaking was evaluated by analysing the lateral distance, the speed, and other characteristics of the manoeuvre. Wider roads presented higher lateral clearances and overtaking speeds. Narrower roads had a high opposing lane invasion but a high level of compliance with the minimum lateral clearance. A higher clearance and lower speed of overtaking vehicles was registered when cyclists rode in line. Compliance with the 1.5 m clearance depended on the group configuration, being higher when cyclists rode in line. However, overtaking cyclists riding two abreast presented more accelerative manoeuvres, especially on narrow roads.This research is part of the research project TRA2016-80897-R, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the research project SPIP2017-02280, funded by the General Directorate of Traffic of Spain.Pérez Zuriaga, AM.; Moll Montaner, S.; López-Maldonado, G.; García García, A. (2021). Driver behavior when overtaking cyclists riding in different group configurations on two-lane rural roads. International Journal of Environmental research and Public Health (Online). 18(23):1-18. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312797S118182

Analysis of Overtaking Maneuvers to Cycling Groups on Two-Lane Rural Roads using Objective and Subjective Risk

[EN] In Spain, the presence of cyclists' groups riding on two-lane rural roads in a single file or in parallel line is growing. The number of overtaking maneuvers to them is also increasing. This is one of the most dangerous interactions between motor vehicles and bicycles. However, the risk of these maneuvers has not been analyzed in depth. This research analyzes the objective and subjective risk of overtaking maneuvers to cyclists' groups. During this maneuver, the motorized vehicle overtakes the bicycles with a certain speed and lateral distance. These are the surrogate measures used to analyze the objective risk, whereas the subjective risk was analyzed based on the subjective risk perception that 10 cyclists riding instrumented bicycles (in different group configurations) indicated when every motor vehicle overtook them. Results show that the cyclists most exposed to the overtaking maneuver are those at the front and at the rear of the group. In relation to the configuration, the risk is higher in parallel lines, as the lateral clearance is lower compared with a single line. It is even higher when the overtaking maneuver is flying, which is usually performed at higher speeds and lower lateral clearance. The subjective risk perception increases with higher speed and lower lateral clearance, and is higher at the rear positions. Overtaking in which lateral distance is less than 1.5 m is perceived as the riskiest. These results provide scientific recommendations to enhance safety for cyclists' groups, and to integrate cycling with vehicular traffic on two-lane rural roadsThe author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The study presented in this paper is part of the research project titled "Road safety countermeasures for two-lane rural roads with group of cyclists (Safe4Bikes)'' (SPIP2017-02280), subsidized by the Direccion General de Trafico (General Directorate of Traffic) of Spain. DocumentLópez-Maldonado, G.; Pérez Zuriaga, AM.; Moll Montaner, S.; García García, A. (2020). Analysis of Overtaking Maneuvers to Cycling Groups on Two-Lane Rural Roads using Objective and Subjective Risk. Transportation Research Record. 2674(7):148-160. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120921169S14816026747Boufous, S., de Rome, L., Senserrick, T., & Ivers, R. (2012). Risk factors for severe injury in cyclists involved in traffic crashes in Victoria, Australia. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 49, 404-409. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.03.011Chaurand, N., & Delhomme, P. (2013). Cyclists and drivers in road interactions: A comparison of perceived crash risk. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 50, 1176-1184. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.09.005Dozza, M., Schindler, R., Bianchi-Piccinini, G., & Karlsson, J. (2016). How do drivers overtake cyclists? Accident Analysis & Prevention, 88, 29-36. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2015.12.008Walker, I., Garrard, I., & Jowitt, F. (2014). The influence of a bicycle commuter’s appearance on drivers’ overtaking proximities: An on-road test of bicyclist stereotypes, high-visibility clothing and safety aids in the United Kingdom. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 64, 69-77. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2013.11.007Dozza, M., & Werneke, J. (2014). Introducing naturalistic cycling data: What factors influence bicyclists’ safety in the real world? Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 24, 83-91. doi:10.1016/j.trf.2014.04.001Chapman, J. R., & Noyce, D. A. (2012). Observations of Driver Behavior during Overtaking of Bicycles on Rural Roads. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2321(1), 38-45. doi:10.3141/2321-06Llorca, C., Angel-Domenech, A., Agustin-Gomez, F., & Garcia, A. (2017). Motor vehicles overtaking cyclists on two-lane rural roads: Analysis on speed and lateral clearance. Safety Science, 92, 302-310. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2015.11.005Trenchard, H., Richardson, A., Ratamero, E., & Perc, M. (2014). Collective behavior and the identification of phases in bicycle pelotons. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 405, 92-103. doi:10.1016/j.physa.2014.03.002Debnath, A. K., Haworth, N., Schramm, A., Heesch, K. C., & Somoray, K. (2018). Factors influencing noncompliance with bicycle passing distance laws. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 115, 137-142. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2018.03.01

Drivers' and cyclists' safety perceptions in overtaking maneuvers

[EN] Drivers overtaking cyclists on rural roads are a safety concern, as drivers need to handle the interaction with the cyclist and possibly an oncoming vehicle. Improving the maneuver¿s outcome requires an understanding of not only the objective, measurable safety metrics, but also the subjective, perceived safety of each road user. Previous research has shown that the perceived safety of the cyclist is most at risk at the passing moment, when driver and cyclist are closest to each other. However, to develop safety measures, it is necessary to know how both road users perceive safety, by understanding the factors that influence their perceptions during the overtaking maneuver. This study measured the perceived safety of drivers in a test-track experiment in Sweden and the perceived safety of cyclists in a field test in Spain. For both drivers and cyclists, we developed Bayesian ordinal logistic regression models of perceived safety scores that take as input objective safety metrics representing the different crash risks at the passing moment. Our results show that while drivers¿ perceived safety decreases when there is an oncoming vehicle with a low time-to-collision, cyclists¿ perceived safety is reduced by a small lateral clearance and a high overtaking speed. Although our datasets are heterogeneous and limited, our results are in line with previous research. In addition, the Bayesian models presented in this paper are novel and may be improved in future studies once more naturalistic data become available. We discuss how our models may support infrastructure development and regulation, policymaking, driver coaching, the development of active safety systems, and automated driving by providing a possible method for predicting perceived safety.The test-track data collection was carried out in collaboration with the project Drivers in Interaction with Vulnerable Road Users (DIV) , funded by Toyota Motor Europe, Autoliv, and Veoneer. The field-test data collection was part of the project Improvement of safety and operation of two-lane rural roads with cyclists (Bike2Lane) (TRA2016-80897-R) , funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. This work was supported by the project Modelling Interaction between Cyclists and Automobiles 2 (MICA2) , funded jointly by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Transport Administration, and the Swedish vehicle industry through the Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation (FFI) Program under Grant 2019-03082. The work was carried out at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.Rasch, A.; Moll Montaner, S.; López-Maldonado, G.; García García, A.; Dozza, M. (2022). Drivers' and cyclists' safety perceptions in overtaking maneuvers. Transportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. 84:165-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2021.11.0141651768

Analysis of the Vehicle-Bicycles Interaction on Two-Lane Rural Roads Using a Driving Simulator Based on Field Data

[EN] The presence of cyclists on Spanish two-lane rural roads is common, so they have to interact with motor vehicles. Due to the speed differential and vulnerability of cyclists, overtaking is one of the most dangerous and frequent interactions. Therefore, a minimum distance of 1.5 m must be observed. The overtaking maneuver depends on road section and cyclist group distribution. Interaction between cyclists and vehicles has been characterized in the past but overtaking to cyclist groups has barely been studied. This study uses a driving simulator to analyze how the presence of cyclists and their group configuration affect traffic operation and safety on two-lane rural roads. A fixed driving simulator has been adapted to incorporate cyclists, using speed and lateral position obtained from field studies. Based on field data, a physical scenario and different traffic scenarios have been recreated, so volunteers can drive the simulator ¿ emulating a motor vehicle ¿ tracking their speed, lateral position, and other variables. These results can be compared to those observed for checking the validity of this methodology. The driving simulator offers some results which are difficult to obtain through other methodologies, enabling a better analysis of the phenomenon. By sorting different bicycle patterns and including several volunteers, the impact of bicycle pelotons on traffic performance and safety can be characterized. This will help in offering recommendations to integrate cyclists and motor vehicles in a safer way.This study was part of a research project titled Improvement of safety and operation of twolane rural roads with cyclists (Bike2Lane) (TRA 2016-8089-R) subsidized by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. In addition, the authors would like to thank the Road Department of the Valencian Provincial Council, and General Directorate of Traffic of Spain, for their cooperation in field data gathering.Dols Ruiz, JF.; Molina, J.; Moll Montaner, S.; López-Maldonado, G.; Camacho-Torregrosa, FJ.; García García, A. (2021). Analysis of the Vehicle-Bicycles Interaction on Two-Lane Rural Roads Using a Driving Simulator Based on Field Data. Universidad de Burgos. 1363-1376. https://doi.org/10.36443/97884184651231363137

Analysis of the vehicle-bicycles interaction on two-lane rural roads using a driving simulator based on field data

[EN] The presence of cyclists on Spanish two-lane rural roads is common, so they have to interact with motor vehicles. Due to the speed differential and vulnerability of cyclists, overtaking is one of the most dangerous and frequent interactions. Therefore, a minimum distance of 1.5 m must be observed. The overtaking manoeuvre depends on road section and cyclist group distribution. Interaction between cyclists and vehicles has been characterized in the past but overtaking to cyclist groups has barely been studied. This study uses a driving simulator to analyse how the presence of cyclists and their group configuration affect traffic operation and safety on two-lane rural roads. A fixed driving simulator has been adapted to incorporate cyclists, using speed and lateral position obtained from field studies. Based on field data, a physical scenario and different traffic scenarios have been recreated, so volunteers can drive the simulator ¿ emulating a motor vehicle ¿ tracking their speed, lateral position, and other variables. These results can be compared to those observed for checking the validity of this methodology. The driving simulator offers some results which are difficult to obtain through other methodologies, enabling a better analysis of the phenomenon. By sorting different bicycle patterns and including several volunteers, the impact of bicycle pelotons on traffic performance and safety can be characterized. This will help in offering recommendations to integrate cyclists and motor vehicles in a safer way.This study was part of a research project entitled Improvement of safety and operation of two-lane rural roads with cyclists (Bike2Lane) (TRA 2016-8089-R) subsidized by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. In addition, the authors would like to thank the Road Department of the Valencian Provincial Council, and General Directorate of Traffic of Spain, for their cooperation in field data gathering.Dols Ruiz, JF.; Molina, J.; Moll Montaner, S.; López-Maldonado, G.; Camacho-Torregrosa, FJ.; García García, A. (2021). Analysis of the vehicle-bicycles interaction on two-lane rural roads using a driving simulator based on field data. Transportation Research Procedia. (58):543-550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2021.11.0725435505

Análisis de la funcionalidad del tráfico en carreteras convencionales con presencia de ciclistas

[ES] La presencia de ciclistas deportivos en carreteras convencionales es un fenómeno habitual en la actualidad. Los ciclistas circulan individualmente y en grupo, compartiendo la vía con los vehículos motorizados e interaccionando con ellos. Debido a las diferencias en términos de velocidad, volumen y nivel de protección entre bicicletas y vehículos motorizados, la maniobra de adelantamiento es la interacción más frecuente y de mayor riesgo. Por tanto, la presencia de ciclistas en carreteras convencionales puede afectar tanto desde el punto de vista de la seguridad vial, como desde el punto de vista de la funcionalidad del tráfico. El principal objetivo de esta investigación es la caracterización del tráfico ciclista y su interacción con los vehículos a motor, en especial en maniobras de seguimiento y adelantamiento, a partir de observaciones naturalísticas del fenómeno, mediante el uso de bicicletas instrumentadas y de observaciones puntuales en tramos de estudio previamente seleccionados. El estudio se ha realizado considerando ciclistas circulando individualmente y en grupo por tramos de carreteras convencionales con diferentes características, tanto geométricas como de tráfico. Se han analizado un total de 2,135 maniobras de adelantamiento a ciclistas. La duración del adelantamiento se ha considerado un factor clave en cuanto a su efecto en la seguridad y en la funcionalidad del tráfico. En consecuencia, esta variable se ha analizado con especial interés, desarrollando un modelo predictivo de la duración del adelantamiento considerando factores relativos a la configuración de los grupos de ciclistas, a la carretera y a la propia maniobra de adelantamiento. A partir de las observaciones realizadas, se ha adaptado, calibrado y validado un modelo de microsimulación del tráfico que incorpora el tráfico ciclista en carreteras convencionales y su interacción con los vehículos motorizados. Mediante las observaciones y el uso del modelo de microsimulación se han obtenido medidas de desempeño que permiten caracterizar la influencia de la presencia de ciclistas en la funcionalidad del tráfico, mostrando una reducción de la funcionalidad del tráfico al aumentar el tráfico ciclista. Las medidas de desempeño relacionadas con el número de adelantamientos y la demora son las más sensibles a la presencia de ciclistas, seguidas de las medidas relacionadas con el seguimiento entre usuarios. Las carreteras con secciones más estrechas son más sensibles a la presencia de ciclistas, y en ellas la configuración de los grupos en paralelo mejora ligeramente la funcionalidad del tráfico al facilitar los adelantamientos. Los resultados de esta investigación permiten una mejor comprensión del fenómeno, a la vez que se traducen en recomendaciones para la mejora del diseño y/o explotación de carreteras convencionales con presencia ciclista. Asimismo, se han desarrollado herramientas específicas como son el modelo predictivo y el modelo de microsimulación que pueden ser usadas por los gestores de la infraestructura para analizar otras carreteras y proporcionar una integración más segura y operativa de los diferentes usuarios de la misma.[CA] La presència de ciclistes esportius en carreteres convencionals és un fenomen habitual a l'actualitat. Els ciclistes circulen individualment i en grup, compartint la via amb els vehicles motoritzats i interaccionant amb ells. A causa de les diferències en termes de velocitat, volum i nivell de protecció entre bicicletes i vehicles motoritzats, la maniobra d'avançament és la interacció més freqüent i perillosa que es produeix entre ells. Per tant, la presència de ciclistes en carreteres convencionals pot afectar tant des del punt de vista de la seguretat viària com de la funcionalitat del trànsit. El principal objectiu d'aquesta investigació és la caracterització del trànsit ciclista i la seva interacció amb els vehicles a motor, especialment en maniobres de seguiment i avançament, a partir d'observacions naturalístiques del fenomen, mitjançant l'ús de bicicletes instrumentades i d'observacions puntuals en trams d'estudi prèviament seleccionats. L'estudi s'ha realitzat considerant ciclistes circulant individualment i en grup per trams de carreteres convencionals amb diferents característiques, tant geomètriques com de trànsit. S'han analitzat en detall 2,135 maniobres d'avançament a ciclistes. La durada de l'avançament s'ha considerat un factor clau pel que fa al seu efecte en la seguretat i en la funcionalitat del trànsit. En conseqüència, aquesta variable s'ha analitzat amb especial interès, desenvolupant un model predictiu de la durada de l'avançament considerant factors relatius a la configuració dels grups de ciclistes, a la carretera i a la pròpia maniobra d'avançament. A partir de les observacions s'ha adaptat, calibrat i validat un model de microsimulació del trànsit que incorpora el trànsit ciclista en carreteres convencionals i la seva interacció amb els vehicles motoritzats. Mitjançant les observacions i l'ús de el model de microsimulació s'han obtingut mesures d'acompliment que permeten caracteritzar la influència de la presència de ciclistes en la funcionalitat del trànsit, mostrant una reducció de la funcionalitat del trànsit a l'augmentar el trànsit ciclista. Les mesures d'acompliment relacionades amb el nombre d'avançaments i la demora són les més sensibles a la presència de ciclistes, seguides de les mesures relacionades amb el seguiment entre usuaris. Les carreteres amb seccions més estretes són més sensibles a la presència de ciclistes, i en elles la configuració dels grups en paral·lel millora lleugerament la funcionalitat del trànsit al facilitar els avançaments. Els resultats d'aquesta investigació permeten una millor comprensió del fenomen alhora que es tradueixen en recomanacions per a la millora del disseny i/o l'explotació de carreteres convencionals amb presència ciclista. Així mateix, s'han desenvolupat eines específiques com el model predictiu i el model de microsimulació que poden ser utilitzats pels gestors d'infraestructures per analitzar altres carreteres i proporcionar una integració més segura i operativa dels diferents usuaris de les mateixes.[EN] Nowadays, the presence of sport cyclists on two-lane rural roads is a common phenomenon. Cyclists ride individually and in groups, sharing the road with motorized vehicles and interacting with them. Due to the differences in speed, volume and level of protection between bicycles and motorized vehicles, the overtaking manoeuvre is the most frequent and dangerous interaction that occurs between them. Therefore, the presence of cyclists on two-lane rural roads can affect both road safety and traffic operation. The main objective of this research is the characterization of cycle traffic and its interaction with motorized vehicles, especially in follow-up and overtaking manoeuvres, based on naturalistic observations of the phenomenon, using instrumented bicycles and observations at the extremes of the study sections. The study has been carried out considering cyclists who circulate individually and in groups on sections of two-lane rural roads with different characteristics, both geometric and traffic. A total of 2,135 overtaking manoeuvres to cyclists have been analysed in detail. The duration of overtaking has been considered a key factor in terms of its effect on safety and traffic operation. Consequently, this variable has been analysed with special interest, developing a predictive model of the overtaking duration, considering factors related to the configuration of groups of cyclists, the road and the overtaking manoeuvre itself. Based on the observations, a traffic microsimulation model that incorporates cycle traffic on two-lane rural roads and its interaction with motorized vehicles has been adapted, calibrated and validated. Through observations and the use of the microsimulation model, performance measures have been obtained that allow characterizing the influence of the presence of cyclists on traffic operation, showing a reduction in traffic operation as cycle traffic increases. Performance measures related to the number of overtaking manoeuvres and delay are the most sensitive to the presence of cyclists, followed by measures related to users platooning. Roads with narrow cross-sections are more sensitive to the presence of cyclists, and on them the two-abreast configuration of groups of cyclists slightly improves traffic operation by facilitating overtaking. The results of this research allow a better understanding of the phenomenon as well as being translated into recommendations for improving the design and/or operation of two-lane rural roads with a cyclist presence. In addition, specific tools have been developed such as the predictive model and the microsimulation model which can be used by infrastructure managers to analyse other rural roads and provide a safer and more operational integration of the different road users.Esta Tesis Doctoral forma parte del proyecto de investigación Bike2lane “Mejora de la seguridad y operación de carreteras convencionales con ciclistas”, con referencia TRA 2016-8089-R, subvencionado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. En el desarrollo de esta tesis también se han utilizado datos de parte del proyecto de investigación Safe4Bikes “Medidas para la Mejora de la Seguridad Vial en Carreteras Convencionales con Bicicletas Circulando en Grupo”, con referencia SPIP2017-022880, subvencionado por la Dirección General de Tráfico. Esta investigación ha sido realizada gracias a la Agencia Estatal de Investigación “Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores 2017”, con referencia BES-2017-080474, de la que la doctoranda es beneficiaria.Moll Montaner, S. (2021). Análisis de la funcionalidad del tráfico en carreteras convencionales con presencia de ciclistas [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/179701TESI

Afección de la presencia de ciclistas en carreteras convencionales estrechas. Adaptación de un modelo de microsimulación

Trabajo presentado en: R-Evolucionando el transporte, XIV Congreso de Ingeniería del Transporte (CIT 2021), realizado en modalidad online los días 6, 7 y 8 de julio de 2021, organizado por la Universidad de BurgosLa presencia de ciclistas circulando individualmente o en grupo es un fenómeno habitual en las carreteras convencionales españolas. El uso compartido de estas carreteras por bicicletas y vehículos motorizados implica su interacción, pudiendo modificar la seguridad y la funcionalidad de las vías. Este efecto puede ser mayor en carreteras convencionales estrechas, donde las bicicletas deben circular por el carril, y los motorizados realizan una invasión mayor del carril opuesto durante el adelantamiento, implicando maniobras potencialmente peligrosas y una mayor duración del adelantamiento. La microsimulación del tráfico es una excelente herramienta para analizar la funcionalidad del tráfico y la seguridad en carreteras convencionales, pero los modelos actuales no consideran a los ciclistas en este ámbito, y mucho menos su interacción con los motorizados. En este estudio, a partir de observaciones del fenómeno, se ha adaptado un modelo, que ya consideraba vehículos motorizados en carreteras convencionales, a la circulación de bicicletas y a la interacción entre estos dos usuarios. El modelo ha sido calibrado y validado con datos reales recogidos mediante bicicletas instrumentadas y observaciones naturalísticas en una carretera convencional estrecha considerando 7 configuraciones distintas de grupos de ciclistas, variando el número de ciclistas y su configuración en línea o paralelo. La calibración se ha realizado en dos pasos, el primero a nivel microscópico con datos de adelantamientos, y el segundo, a nivel macroscópico con datos de medidas de desempeño del tramo. La duración del adelantamiento se ha considerado una variable clave para calibrar la longitud equivalente de cada grupo de ciclistas. Los resultados confirman la reducción en la funcionalidad causada por la presencia de ciclistas, y apuntan a que se necesitan nuevas medidas de desempeño y/o la reformulación de las existentes, de modo que incorporen el efecto del tráfico ciclista sobre la funcionalidad del tráfico y la seguridad en estas carreteras.Este estudio forma parte del proyecto de investigación Bike2lane “Mejora de la seguridad y operación de carreteras convencionales con ciclistas” con referencia (TRA 2016-8089-R) subvencionado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. Este estudio también ha sido realizado gracias a la Agencia Estatal de Investigación “Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores 2017” (BES-2017-080474). Las tomas de datos en campo fueron realizadas gracias a la cooperación de la Dirección General de Tráfico y al Àrea de Carreteres de la Diputació de València. Finalmente, los autores quieren agradecer a Aimsun SLU su colaboración en el desarrollo del estudio

Evaluation of the Influence of Road Geometry on Overtaking Cyclists on Two-Lane Rural Roads

[EN] Road cycling, both individually and in groups, is common in Spain, where most two-lane rural roads have no cycle lanes. Due to this, and the difference in speed between drivers and cyclists, the overtaking manoeuvre is one of the most dangerous interactions. This study analyses how road geometry influences the overtaking manoeuvre performance. Field data of 1355 overtaking manoeuvres were collected using instrumented bicycles, riding along different rural road segments, and considering individual, medium and large groups of cyclists. The safety variables that characterise the overtaking manoeuvre are overtaking vehicle speed and lateral clearance. These variables have been correlated to geometric characteristics of the road, such as the type of centre line, the horizontal alignment, the speed limit, and the road cross section. Regression models have been fitted considering each cyclist group size and configuration. For individuals and medium groups, wider roads generate higher lateral clearances and lower overtaking speeds, while for large groups only the solid centre line was significant, generating lower clearances and higher speeds. Results suggest that other factors need to be considered, especially for large groups. Results offer a deeper understanding of the phenomenon by providing key points for improving road geometry design, such as widening the shoulders.This research is part of the research project TRA2016-80897-R, funded byMCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the research project SPIP2017-02280, funded by the Directorate General for Traffic of Spain.López-Maldonado, G.; Moll Montaner, S.; Pérez Zuriaga, AM.; García García, A. (2022). Evaluation of the Influence of Road Geometry on Overtaking Cyclists on Two-Lane Rural Roads. International Journal of Environmental research and Public Health (Online). 19(15):1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159302114191