Cycle tracks evaluation in West Campus in Austin, Texas

Abstract

This research evaluated the performance of two types of cycle tracks—a one-way cycle track on Guadalupe St. and a two-way cycle track on Rio Grande St. in West Campus. The evaluation focused on all types of traffic users' (including bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists) behavior and their perspectives regarding safety, comfort and operation. For each cycle track, all users' behavior and their interactions with others was observed at the main intersection for a cumulative 4 hours; and 35 intercept surveys, including 15 cyclist surveys, 10 pedestrian surveys and 10 motorist surveys, were collected to identify all types of traffic users' experiences, perceptions and attitudes toward the cycle tracks. Overall, the results indicate that the cycle tracks have improved the sense of safety and comfort for cyclists, but, at the same time, other people—including pedestrians—misuse the space, resulting in potential safety issues with the existing intersection design that might undermine overall success.