Analysis of Effects by Bicycle Lanes at Residential Streets from Viewpoints of Bicycle Behavior at Junctions

Abstract

The ratio of bicycles accidents at junctions in Japan is quite high. Both-way running of bicycles at junctions, which is unique system in the world, is focused on as a reason of this phenomenon. Bicycle lanes, which promote bicycles running on left side of the carriageway, have been introduced to solve this problem by realizing one-way bicycles running system. In this study, in order to confirm the effects on safety by bicycle lane system on residential streets in Kanazawa city, the approaching behavior of bicycles is focused on. Bicycles’ behavior and vehicles’ speed before and after the implementation of bicycle lanes at five junctions using video survey are analyzed, and bicycles’ behavior at three junctions with different accident records and condition of bicycle lanes is compared. As results, the ratio of wrong way approaching of bicycles is decreased by the implementation or existence of bicycle lane system which promotes keep left running of bicycles on the approach streets.