Bicyclist perceived level of traffic stress: a quality of service measure

Abstract

Research has shown that people have different tolerances for perceived stress when they ride a bicycle on roadways and bikeways. This study focuses on building upon the Mineta Transportation Institute's Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) tool by reviewing the literature to modify the traffic and roadway characteristics (e.g. speed limit, traffic volume, functional class) by which facilities are classified into four levels of traffic stress. The LTS criteria which are applied to facilities correspond to four types of riders who may or may not currently bicycle. These four types were also used in the Georgia Institute of Technology Cycle Atlanta app. The four types, from least tolerant of traffic stress to the most tolerant, are; LTS 1 Interested, but Concerned, LTS 2 Comfortable, but Cautious, LTS 3 Enthused and Confident, and LTS 4 Strong and Fearless.