Modeling Maneuverability of Motorized Two-Wheelers during Filtering in Urban Roads

Abstract

Differences in driving style and static and dynamic attributes of motorized two-wheelers (MTWs) provide MTW riders more flexibility than other traffic in choosing higher speeds, erratic driving patterns, and erratic trajectories. In an attempt to model the unique dynamic movement patterns of MTW riders, the current study investigates the filtering behavior of MTWs, utilizing trajectory data from a six-lane divided urban road. The research work undertaken in this study provides an elaborate investigation of behavioral differences in filtering and following maneuvers, addressing different influential variables that may affect the rider’s decision to perform a filtering maneuver, and describing how this choice is affected by different driver–vehicle characteristics and local traffic conditions. Finally, the multivariate aspects of the riders during filtering are also examined using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Results of the study show that speed of the MTW, average leading vehicles’ speed, available pore size and number of lateral movements made by the MTW rider in the past trajectory are the critical parameters affecting the rider’s choice of filtering. Further, the SEM analysis indicates that the comfort of MTW riders in filtering is dependent on the speed of MTWs and the presence of a surrounding right-hand vehicle.