A modified social force model for studying nonlinear dynamics of pedestrian-e-bike mixed flow at a signalized crosswalk

Mixed-traffic crosswalks with disordered e-bikes are one of the most common conflict zones in urban traffic. The frequent interactions between pedestrians and e-bikes may result in a reduction in traffic efficiency and safety at intersections. It is necessary to understand nonlinear dynamics of the mixed traffic flow. This study presents a modified social force model to describe complex phenomena of pedestrian-e-bike mixed flow at a signalized crosswalk. Geometry of e-bikes, visual range and typical behaviors (i.e., avoidance behaviors) are introduced in our model, and compared with an observational experiment. The proportion of e-bikes and the impact of the lane of e-bikes on pedestrians' walking comfort and safety are discussed. The arrival rate of e-bikes and the impact of the setting of the lane of e-bikes are analyzed. It is proved that pedestrians' comfort decreases with the increasing proportion of e-bikes. The pressure of the pedestrian-e-bike mixed flow is higher than that at a conventional crosswalk without e-bikes. The maximum crossing time of e-bikes decreases with the increasing width of the lane of e-bikes. Correspondingly, when the width of the lane of e-bikes increases, the average speed of e-bikes increases. Results suggest that an appropriate width of the lane of e-bikes has a positive influence on mixed flow. The study is helpful to an in-depth understanding of nonlinear dynamics in pedestrian-e-bike mixed flow, and is beneficial to safe pedestrian facility design.