Erik Andresen

Universal flow-density relation of single-file bicycle, pedestrian and car motion

Abstract The relation between flow and density is an essential quantitative characteristic to describe the efficiency of traffic systems. We have performed experiments with single-file motion of bicycles and compared the results with previous studies for car and pedestrian motion in similar setups. In the space–time diagrams we observe three different states of motion (free flow state, jammed state and stop-and-go waves) in all these systems. Despite their obvious differences they are described by a universal fundamental diagram after proper rescaling of space and time which takes into account the size and free velocity of the three kinds of agents. This indicates that the similarities between the systems go deeper than expected.

Wayfinding and Cognitive Maps for Pedestrian Models

Usually, routing models in pedestrian dynamics assume that agents have fulfilled and global knowledge about the buildings structure. However, they neglect the fact that pedestrians possess no or only parts of information about their position relative to final exits and possible routes leading to them. To get a more realistic description we introduce the systematics of gathering and using spatial knowledge. A new wayfinding model for pedestrian dynamics is proposed. The model defines for every pedestrian an individual knowledge representation implying inaccuracies and uncertainties. In addition, knowledge-driven search strategies are introduced. The presented concept is tested on a fictive example scenario.

Basic Driving Dynamics of Cyclists

In this work we introduce the Necessary-Deceleration-Model (NDM) which is a car-following-model developed to investigate driving behavior of bicycles. For this purpose the derivation of the mathematical description of the NDM is investigated. For the sake of calibration and validation of the model, several experiments are performed. The results of the experiments are presented and examined. Finally, the limits and possibilities of the NDM are discussed.