The relative effects of road markings on cycle stability

Participants completed 1600 trials over 20 objects on an instrumented racing cycle. Recordings of lateral acceleration and handle bar angle were combined to form a single measure of instability and compared to recordings of normal riding over smooth asphalt. New techniques to control for learning effects were used within an experimental procedure that controlled for the angle and speed of the cyclist. Sixteen of the objects including rough ground, a round utility access cover, oversized thermoplastic lines (7 mm thick), and an audio-tactile line show significant effects on the stability of cycles. Traditional chlorinated rubber lines, one thermoplastic line, and a waterborne line show no significant impact on cycling. Relative assessment of the effect of the objects on cycle stability is reported and the validity and reliability of the method is discussed.