Transportation engineers help update standards for bike paths

Transportation research is like riding a bike—not something you’ll never forget but, literally, riding a bike. 

This summer researchers from the University of Minnesota asked citizens to participate in research (Biking for Science) by riding their bikes on a predetermined route with a sensor attached to their bicycle. The goal is to gather data to help the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) update standards for Minnesota bike lanes and trails.

Raphael Stern, Associate Professor of transportation engineering in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, explains, “Just like roads, bike facilities (bike lanes, bike paths, etc.) are built based on design standards. However, the existing standards were developed based on data from only a small number of bikes in the 1980s. A lot has changed since then. We have lots of different bikes on the roads today, including cargo bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, and cargo e-bikes. This project will help provide data to update design standards to make roads safer and more comfortable for a wider range of cyclists.”

The data gathering events occur around the state. “MnDOT is a statewide agency,” notes Stern, “and so we’re working to collect data statewide.” This summer researchers have conducted Bike for Science events in Mankato, Rochester, St. Paul, St. Cloud, and Duluth. They’re hoping to plan more events later this summer, too. 

On a sunny day in May, Stern hosted a Bike for Science community research event at Como Park as part of the larger data collection effort. Raphael Stern and Greg Lindsey (Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs) are leading the project for MnDOT and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board. For the event, participants brought their bikes to Como Park. CEGE student researchers helped install sensors on the bikes and explained the predefined course for bikers to follow. The data on where and how riders make their way will help MnDOT update the design standards for bike lanes and trails.

Basic principles behind cycling have not changed much over the past 30+ years, but there are some significant changes in the equipment and in the behavior of both cyclists and motorists. New electric-assist bicycles and the increase in the number of cyclists on the roads are two of the biggest changes. An increased focus on fitness and a desire for carbon-free transportation brought many new cyclists to the roads. Some of these new cyclists may be less experienced. Transportation infrastructure has also changed, for example, green lanes, bidirectional separated lanes, and roundabouts are changing the ways that cyclists and motorists interact on the roads. 

With this background in mind, researchers will observe and document the different types of bikes and riders on Minnesota’s bike lanes and trails. They will also measure characteristics of bikes as specified in MnDOT’s current design manuals (e.g., turning radius deceleration, braking, etc.). Their goal is to identify potential updates for MnDOT’s design values based on the data they gather.

“It’s enjoyable to be doing research that has the potential to impact people’s lives in such a direct way,” said Stern, “and people appreciate the work. The most common response we get from participants is ‘that was fun!’”

And that is what the researchers are striving to create, a biking experience that is safe, comfortable, and fun.