Simulation study of different operations of mixed traffic with motor vehicles and bicyles at at-grade intersections in Beijing, China

In Beijing, China, the bicycle remains one of the major transport modes. Because of the significant differences in characteristics between motor vehicles and bicycles, mixed traffic operations at at-grade intersections have caused major urban traffic management problems for a long time. The objective of this research has been to study the influence of bicycle flow on traffic within at-grade signalised intersections in Beijing, China. Microscopic simulation modelling has been used with local calibration/validation data to assess the potential of alternative approaches to a solution. This thesis describes the research undertaken in the definition, behavioural modelling, coding, validation and application of a microscopic traffic simulation model, which was developed for the investigation of operations at at-grade signalised intersections with mixed traffic in China. The following scenarios have been investigated to find out how the different operations are likely to affect traffic operations: 1. Bicycles use the same signal phase as motor vehicles of the same direction; 2. Second stop line for bicycles; 3. Exclusive bicycle signal; 4. Building a separate lane for prohibiting of left-turn bicycles. The results illustrated that temporal-segregation-related solutions can significantly reduce the conflicts between motor vehicles and bicycles, lessen the influences caused by bicycles, and enhance safety of both motor vehicles and bicycles. Each method has specific conditions for application. The results from the study may be used as guidelines for traffic operations at at- grade signalised intersections with mixed traffic in Beijing, China.