Physical environments influencing bicyclists’ perception of comfort on separated and on-street bicycle facilities

This study investigates the impacts of physical environments on bicyclists’ perceptions of comfort on separated and on-street bicycle facilities. Based on a field investigation conducted in Nanjing, China, we find that physical environmental factors significantly influencing bicyclists’ perception of comfort on the two types of facility. Cyclists’ comfort is mainly influenced by the road geometry and surrounding conditions on physically separated paths while they pay attention to the effective riding space and traffic situations on on-street bicycle lanes.

► We examine impacts of physical environments on bicyclists’ perception of comfort.
► Study is conducted on physically separated and on-street bicycle facilities in Nanjing, China.
► Physical environments significantly influence cycling comfort on two facilities.
► Road geometry and surrounding conditions are important on physically separated paths.
► Cyclers pay attention to riding space and traffic situation on on-street lanes.