Assessment of Bicyclist Behavior at Traffic Signals with a Detector Confirmation Feedback Device

Abstract

Bicycling has been increasing in North America, and intersections have been modified to accommodate the increase in cyclists. However, the increase in cycling is outpacing the supply of high-quality cycling markings, signing, signals, and general infrastructure at intersections. For example, recent research indicates that more than 50% of bicyclists do not understand that the 9C-7 bicycle stencil symbol from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) indicates the optimal waiting position for a cyclist to call a green light. Subsequently, people on bicycles may run red lights because they do not understand how the MUTCD 9C-7 pavement marking works. This infrastructure shortcoming illustrates the need to study how new roadway information may affect user behavior and traffic signal compliance. This research documents the effects of an active feedback device on cyclist behavior in an effort to improve the cycling experience. A blue light feedback device was installed at a signalized intersection approach, and its impact on bicyclist behavior was studied. A statistically significant increase in the number of bicyclists who used the MUTCD 9C-7 marking (instead of the existing bicycle push button) occurred after installation of the blue light feedback device and especially after a sandwich board sign was installed that described the purpose of the blue light. These results indicate that a blue light feedback device (accompanied with bicycle detection and the standard marking) could be used effectively in lieu of bicycle push buttons. Also, the effect of the blue light feedback device on bicyclist compliance with traffic signals (red light runners) was negligible.