Bicycle Simulator Improvement and Validation

Abstract

In this paper, we present the new features implemented on the bicycle simulator developed by the Perceptions, Interactions, Behaviors and Simulations Lab for road and street users (PICS-L) at Gustave Eiffel University. The added features were deemed necessary to study road-bicycle interactions. We equipped the simulator platform with: three actuators to render the road profile vibrations, an asphalt specimen attached to the rear tire to render the road adhesion, and a new virtual reality environment to render a part of the city of Vanves in France. Simultaneously, we developed a mathematical model with 6 degrees of freedom including the three rotational angles (Yaw, Pitch and Roll) and their influence on vertical, lateral and longitudinal modeling. In order to validate the simulator and the developed model physically and subjectively, we conducted an experiment involving 36 participants who rode the simulator for around 600 meters with full control on the handlebar, pedals and brakes. The improved simulator/mathematical model will be employed to further study bicycle dynamics, cyclist behavior and the interaction with the infrastructure and other road users.