Definition of indicators for the assessment of the structural condition and riding comfort of cycle paths

University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Bayernallee 9, 52066 Aachen, Germany

^* Corresponding author: merkens@fh-aachen.de

Abstract

In recent years, the importance of the bicycle for everyday mobility has increased significantly in Germany. In order to increase the attractiveness of cycle traffic, the provision of safe cycle paths in a good structural condition is necessary in addition to the expansion and new construction of cycling infrastructure. Against this background, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport has been funding the research project “Recording and Assessment of the Structural Condition of Urban Cycle Paths” since September 2021. In cooperation with Schniering GmbH and the engineering office Feiler und Hänsel GbR, the University of Applied Sciences Aachen is working on the development of a suitable measurement and assessment procedure. The methods used so far in Germany to record and assess the condition of cycle paths are very much based on the established methods for road condition monitoring and assessment. However, the damage characteristics on cycle paths as well as their effects on road safety aspects, riding comfort and structural value preservation can only be compared with roads to a somewhat limited extent. For this reason, extensive structural assessments of cycle paths were carried out in the research project and a damage catalogue was developed for the recording and assessment of the condition of urban cycle paths. The relevant types of damage are assigned to the following characteristics groups: unevenness, rolling resistance, substance characteristics and vegetation. Based on the results, requirements for the measurement technology and its accuracy could be defined. The conceptual design of a measuring vehicle by the project partner Schniering GmbH will be completed this year and its use tested on various urban cycle paths.