Simulation study of bicycle multi-phase crossing at intersections

Mixed motor vehicle and bicycle traffic is increasingly common in urban transport. Multi-phase crossings for left-turning bicycles are proposed for highly populated intersections to reduce conflict and improve safety. The objective of this research was to study the potential impact of applying multi-phase crossings for left-turning bicycles on the efficiencies of signalised intersections by means of microscopic simulation. Based on research on the behaviour of motor vehicle drivers and cyclists, a microscopic simulation model was upgraded to consider mixed traffic comprising motor vehicles and bicycles in urban networks. The model was validated with data collected from the road network in Beijing, China. The simulation results show that bicycle multi-phase crossings with proper signal operations can reduce bicycle delays dramatically with only a minor effect on vehicle delay, and can reduce the number of vehicle stops.