Measuring, Managing, and Reducing Pavement Macrotexture and Roughness to Improve Cyclists' Safety and Ride Quality

Abstract

The surface texture and roughness of bikeways directly affect bicyclists' ride quality. Texture and/or roughness requirements for bike paths and shoulders need to be established to improve cyclists' comfort. Aggregate embedment depth and macrotexture for chip seals need to be controlled during construction to achieve smoother pavement surfaces that are more suitable for bicycles. Effective post-construction treatments to improve ride quality should also be determined. Improved bikeway surfaces and ride quality can potentially increase bicycle use for commuting and recreational purposes in the Pacific Northwest. Reduced texture and roughness on bikeways can also reduce bicycle damage and increase cyclists' safety. This study developed a pavement data collection system (with GPS and camera components) that can be installed on bicycles to evaluate the impacts of bikeway surface texture, roughness, and distresses on cyclists’ comfort. On the basis of correlations between collected pavement data and cyclists' perceptions of ride quality (determined from surveys that were conducted with the cyclists), the study determined the effectiveness of the developed automated bikeway condition measurement system at identifying user comfort and safety. The study also developed suggestions for pavement design and construction stages to reduce rolling resistance on shoulders and bikeways. Reduced rolling resistance is expected to improve cyclists' safety and comfort and to encourage the use of bicycles for recreational purposes and as a mode of transportation in the Pacific Northwest.