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Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly Crossings at Freeway Interchanges
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Fengxiang Qiao
Sponsoring Agency: Texas
Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Total: $260,000, TSU Lead:
$200,000, UTA: $60,000
Period: September
1, 2008 ~ August 31, 2010
Research Abstract:
Bicycle and pedestrian travels
have played historic roles in transportation. Bicycling is
widely associated with the energy efficiency, cost
effectiveness, health benefits and environmental advantages.
The reduction in motor vehicle trips creates additional
capacity and reduces physical wear on roadways which both
contribute to longer life and increased value of those
assets. Bicyclists and pedestrians often have difficulty
mixing with modern modes of transportation because travel
behaviors of bicyclists and pedestrians are quite different
with motorists. The goal of this research is to identify a
design guideline to provide safe and efficient movement of
bicycles and pedestrians crossing freeway interchanges. The
research entails the following specific objectives: (1)
Identify behaviors of bicyclists and pedestrians when
crossing freeway interchanges; (2) Identify facilities that
are suitable for bicycle and pedestrian crossings at freeway
interchanges; (3) Develop systematic guidelines for bicycle
and pedestrian crossings at interchanges. Through this
research, travel behaviors of bicyclists and pedestrians
crossing freeway interchanges will be carefully studied
through field surveillance and synthesis of successful
practices. The TSU Mobile Van with Autoscope cameras is an
effective tool for monitoring and collecting on-site, real
time traffic data at any location, and will be employed in
field surveillance. Guidance on bicycle and pedestrian
friendly crossings at freeway interchanges will be
synthesized.
Research Information
For further information about the research, please contact Dr.
Fengxiang Qiao by telephone at (713) 313-1915 or by e-mail to
qiao_fg@tsu.edu.
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