Abstract Manager

The advent of personal mobility devices (often called “micromobility” - defined as small, lightweight vehicles that operate at slow speeds and are ideal for short trips) is rapidly expanding the range of vehicles used for urban transportation. Personal mobility devices (PMDs) can be electric or conventional and include vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and mobility scooters. These modes of urban transportation create opportunity to address enduring problems in the urban environment related to congestion, climate change, pollution, energy consumption, public health, and equity.

The objectives of this research project are to determine 1) the 4-year trend in volumes and speeds for each type of PMD in metropolitan Vancouver, 2) the empirical impacts of regulatory changes on PMD volumes, and speeds, 3) the implications of continuing PMD growth for speed, comfort, and climate in cycling facilities.

Data collection was conducted in summer 2023 at 12 sampling locations across metropolitan Vancouver using pnematic tubes and GoPro cameras. The sampling locations were in cycling facilities separated from automobile traffic in the municipalities of Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and, New Westminster, and Campus of University of British Columbia. Data were collected two days at each sampling location; one day during the weekdays, and one during the weekend.

Preliminary results suggest the mode share of electric bicycles and electric scooters have quadrupled since 2019 in metropolitan Vancouver while the speed profile of the cycling facilities has experienced minimal changes. The outcomes of the proposed research will provide essential information for Canadian governments to manage PMDs safely, equitably, and effectively through vehicle regulation, and facility design.