A parametric model has been created in SolidWorks in order to facilitate the rapid evaluation of novel bicycle concepts and to fine-tune the ergonomics of more established designs. This article explains the functioning of the model in technical detail. Some typical uses for this model include: Ergonomic bike fit study Clearances, for example, heals clearing […]
Friction Resistance in Bicycle Wheel Bearings
Tests show that standard cone bearings have less friction than sealed ball bearings Traditional cup and cone bearings were compared with cartridge bearings with and without seals. Two types of lubricant were also compared. For each bearing configuration, measurements of the frictional drag torque were made for different types of bearings with loads varying between […]
Study shows how slow most bikes really are
Resistance parameters measured for real cyclists intercepted in Vancouver For the first time, scientists have reliably measured how efficient typical urban bikes actually are. Their study showed that most people’s bikes are much slower than previously thought. There is also more variation between different bikes. Two things primarily determine how fast a bike is when […]
Full-scale bicycle aerodynamic evaluation methodology developed
A full-scall wind tunnel test method has been created at RMIT University. The bicycle is mounted on a platform which is itself mounted on a load cell. The load cell has 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) allowing drag, lift and side forces to be measured. The bicycle can be orientated at different yaw angles to the […]
Why don’t roundabouts make junctions safer for cyclists?
This study set out to answer an interesting question. Why is it that converting intersections into roundabouts doesn’t make them safer for cyclists? Roundabouts are safer than intersections for motor vehicles, so why not for cyclists? Most accidents involve a cyclist already circulating the roundabout and a car entering or exiting, but the exact causes were […]
Model for Speed and Power in Track Cycling
Sophisticated model including slip and steering angles shows accuracy within 0.2 percent This study sought to improve on the accuracy of existing models for the speed of a track cyclist. It was based on the governing equation: where η is the transmission efficiency, Pin is the power delivered by the cyclist, dt is a discrete […]
Study examines causes of severe bicycle-motor vehicle collisions
Researchers from the City of Edmonton Transportation Planning Branch have tackled the very serious question of which factors contribute to severe bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. The study considered 571 collisions that occurred between 2006 and 2009. The data was obtained from police reports. 424 of the studied collisions happened at intersections with the remaining 147 taking place midblock. Findings […]
Study shows importance of being visible when entering an intersection
Thousands of cyclists die in road accidents every year. Research by Schepers et al showed that the majority of these deaths, in the EU at least, were the result of collisions between vehicles and bicycles, mostly at unsignalised intersections. Prati et al have shown that in such cases the driver’s response plays a critical role […]
Study shows how cyclists choose their route
A recent study published in the International Journal of Sustainable Transportation has examined what features influenced riders choice of route. GPS was used to track cyclists in Seattle and the data was compared to map information giving factors such as land use and road network. The smartphone app CycleTracks was used to track users routes. The significance […]
How not to get hit by a car
The BicycleSafe website is dedicated to teaching cyclists how not to get hit by cars. It lists ten of the most common types of accidents and for each it one it gives tips on how to avoid it. There is also lots of general advice. Key tips might seem obvious but it’s well worth going through […]