Abstract Manager

As the transportation world continues to change, there is a growing need for eco-friendly, economical and accessible transit options, such as cycling and micromobility. 2023 data demonstrates that shared micromobility trips in both the United States and Canada have increased by 20% compared to 2022 rides, unsurprisingly with private ownership becoming more available, as well as a growing number of municipalities adopting shared micromobility programs.

Across Canada, it is common for e-scooters riders to be mandated to ride only on cycling facilities. Many cycling facilities to date have been designed with only traditional cyclists in mind and developed based on the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) methodology. The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) outlines a popular BLOS methodology, and many facilities are designed or upgraded with this methodology in mind. The current BLOS framework does not consider other two-wheeled forms of travel, such as e-scooters.

This work is unique as it aims to develop a novel LOS framework with consideration for both cyclists and e-scooters. The main objectives of this work are to identify input indicators considering both bikes and e-scooters, develop a new LOS table and select cycling facility design alternatives and suitable countermeasures based on the developed LOS.

This study identifies input indicators based on the latest HCM BLOS, as well as meeting and passing events between cyclists and e-scooters. Meeting and passing inputs are important as they capture user interactions, which goes beyond the existing parameters found in the HCM BLOS, which highlights only the surrounding environment. Through this study, three simulation scenarios are designed in PTV Vissim including separated bike lanes, two-way cycle tracks and multi-use paths to simulate cyclist and e-scooter interactions. Each facility or scenario varies as it permits different user interactions such as both meeting and passing or neither meeting nor passing. The model is calibrated and validated to reflect real world conditions, and an analytical formula is developed to identify meeting and passing events.

Ultimately, this study highlights a significant industry gap and is essential in progressing forward in developing safe, accessible and affordable transportation options in North America.

Key Words: E-Scooters, Bicycles, Level of Service, PTV Vissim