Use of entropy to analyze level of service of dedicated bike lanes in China

Bicycle travel, as an important component of travel modes in China, has gained great support from the government by constructing environmentally friendly bike lanes and other non-motorized facilities. However, there is still lack of effective methods that can be used for assessing operational performance of bikeways and providing practical guide for bikeway planning, design, construction, and operation. This article introduces an approach that can be well suited in China for assessing level of service and operational performance of dedicated bike lanes. The approach is based on the bicyclists’ hindrances experienced. A conception of reactive zone used to express bicyclists’ perceived comfort is highlighted to describe bicyclists’ actions during passing maneuvers. The Entropy of Speed State, deduced from the velocity deviation degree, is related to the density and is used to evaluate the level of service. A dynamic simulation model is developed to describe the bicycle movement characteristics. Controlled experiment and field survey are conducted to collect data for passing maneuvers. Resorting to the simulation method, the bicycle operation process is invested. A five-level classification rating from A to E is defined to evaluate level of service on dedicated bicycle lanes.

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