Riding the green wave – How countdown timers at bicycle traffic lights impact on cycling behavior

Brand, Christina; Hagedorn, Thomas; Kösters, Till; Meier, Marlena; Sieg, Gernot; Wessel, Jan

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

The promotion of cycling is essential for city planners aiming at sustainable mobility. Against this backdrop, we evaluate the “Leezenflow” system, a green wave assistant designed specifically for cyclists and is installed 110 meters in front of a traffic light in Münster, Germany. The system indicates the remaining time of the current traffic light phase through an expiring bar. This is intended to help cyclists adjust their speed in order to cross the traffic lights when green, and consequently optimize their cycling flow. We conduct a natural field experiment to analyze the system’s impact on cycling flow and safety, and find a statistically significant impact on cycling flow. The number of cyclists that have to stop at the red lights decreases by 6.6 %. The data also indicate positive effects on traffic safety. The results of the natural field experiment confirm and put into perspective the feedback of an accompanying online survey. The Leezenflow system can thus help city planners to promote cycling, thereby enabling more sustainable mobility.

Details about the publication

JournalTravel Behaviour and Society
Volume35
Page range100731null
StatusPublished
Release year2024
DOI10.1016/j.tbs.2023.100731
Link to the full texthttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214367X23001825
KeywordsBicycle traffic flow; Green wave assistant; Countdown timer; Natural field experiment; Survey

Authors from the University of Münster

Hagedorn, Thomas
Professur für Verkehrswissenschaft (Prof. Sieg)
Kösters, Till
Professur für Verkehrswissenschaft (Prof. Sieg)
Meier, Marlena Julia
Professur für Verkehrswissenschaft (Prof. Sieg)
Sieg, Gernot
Professur für Verkehrswissenschaft (Prof. Sieg)
Wessel, Jan
Professur für Verkehrswissenschaft (Prof. Sieg)