TfL revamps traffic modelling to reflect cyclists’ actual behaviour

Transport for London is refining its traffic modelling to improve the representation of cycling and pedestrian behaviour.

“Until recently, relatively little research had been undertaken worldwide to understand the behaviour of vulnerable road users at traffic signals and therefore be able to accurately represent them in traffic models,” TfL has told the London Assembly’s transport committee.

“We are leading on a world-first piece of research to understand cyclist behaviour as they discharge from signals and travel between signals. The research will also look at the impact cyclists have on general traffic discharge where they comprise a high proportion of road users.”

TfL says the work is being complemented by TRL research on pedestrian behaviour at traffic signals.

“Once findings from the research are received [later this year], the new algorithms for cyclists and pedestrians will be available to update the capabilities of the modelling tools,” TfL explains.

“We are also expanding our ‘ONE Model’, a tactical assignment model, which is used to present the area-wide impacts of traffic reassignment of major interventions such as reallocating dedicated road space to cyclists,” TfL adds.

“Once completed [later this year] the model will be used to understand likely vehicle re-assignment and to assist in determining traffic control strategies.”

TfL is also evaluating different types of pedestrian and cycle detectors that could provide information for traffic signal strategies. “If suitable detection units can be found then they will be properly trialled and could provide real-time data for input to SCOOT’s traffic control system,” it explains.

The London Assembly transport committee published a report on cycling last December. Since then London mayor Boris Johnson has published his new vision for cycling in London, setting out ambitious plans to reconfigure many streets and junctions to give cyclists greater priority (LTT 08 Mar).

TfL is currently sponsoring trials at TRL’s headquarters in Berkshire of a number of possible features, including a Dutch-style roundabout featuring segregated lanes for cyclists.  TfL recently proposed such a  design for the roundabout on the northern end of Lambeth Bridge in Westminster (LTT 25 Jan). Eye-level traffic lights for cyclists are also being trialled.

The DfT has told the assembly’s transport committee that, if the trials at TRL are successful, the Department will consider on-street trials “at a limited number of sites”. This could lead to changes being made to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions in 2014. 

TfL also reveals that it has had a Copenhagen transport planner on secondment who has been advising on cycling scheme delivery. Copenhagen is regarded as a world-leader in good provision for cycling.

Meanwhile, it says the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme “may not be the right model for outer London”. “We are currently undertaking work to investigate this issue further”.

Discuss this at LTT"s Modelling World Event on the 6 June