PHOEBE partners presented research on microsimulations at TRB

The participation of PHOEBE at the Annual Meeting of the Transport Research Board (TRB) in Washington DC, USA, already became a tradition. This time, a poster was submitted that depicts the joint research efforts of TU Delft, AIMSUN, iRAP and FLOOW related to the incorporation of human factors into traffic microsimulation, which was presented during a dedicated session. We invite you to read the summary below and download the poster here.

Traffic flow models used in traffic microsimulation platforms do not commonly consider human factors, especially non-compliant behaviours. While the theoretical need for the incorporation of specific human factors into traffic microsimulation, especially for the purpose of safety assessment, has been shown in previous studies, there is no systematic methodology which can be empirically tested for a wide range of behaviours. The framework consists of four steps:

  • collecting empirical telematics data on a certain behaviour of interest, and merging them with individual road user characteristics, road infrastructure and traffic conditions data.
  • developing an analytical model for this behaviour with all of the collected data.
  • encoding the behaviour in microsimulation.
  • conducting the  microsimulation experiments enhanced with the behaviour.

To demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology, a microsimulation model of our West Midlands pilot region, developed in Aimsun Next is employed to test drivers speeding behaviour. Results show statistically significant differences in speed and acceleration profiles following the incorporation of speeding behaviour, suggesting a potential impact on surrogate safety assessment. The findings provide valuable insights into the impact of integrating human factors in microsimulation on traffic-conflict based road safety assessments.

PHOEBE-JULIA Webinar: Safe Streets, Safe Lives: Road Safety Models for Vulnerable Road Users

The aim of the upcoming 60min webinar, which will take place on 18 February from 11-12AM, is to highlight different assessment methods to enhance bicycle safety through the perspective of the two EU-funded projects of PHOEBE and JULIA.

According to European Commission statistics, more than 2000 fatalities of cyclists occur annually in the EU27. Thus, EU-funded projects like PHOEBE and JULIA are aiming to increase road safety for these and other vulnerable road user groups by using state-of-the-art technology, such as transport modeling as well as (satellite technology) tools. The webinar will focus on the different (technological) aspects of both projects and their pilot implementations and tests in the two Spanish cities of Valencia and Barcelona. These presentations will be put into a wider context related to the current road safety challenges in Europe.

What is the JULIA project?

JULIA seeks to create a smarter public transport system by leveraging the power of space technology. The project aims to achieve significant improvements:

  • Enhance efficiency and reliability for smoother operations and on-time arrivals for buses and trains.
  • Increase safety in mobility infrastructure. E.g: cycle lanes.
  • Provide a more attractive public transport experience with features that make it more convenient and appealing for travellers.

Agenda

Welcome words & Introduction to the topiciRAP

Introduction to the PHOEBE project and its models & traffic simulation- and visualisation solutions – iRAP

Introduction the JULIA project and use of satellite technologyFACTUAL

Introduction to CycleRAP & LanePatrol tools – FACTUAL / KEITA Mobility

  • Valencia use case in PHOEBE
  • Barcelona use case in JULIA

NTUA published literature review on effectiveness of 30 km/h speed limit

George Yannis and Eva Michelaraki from the PHOEBE project partner of National Technical University of Athens assessed recent literature concerning urban speed limit reduction to 30km/h and the related policy efforts of different European cities. Such assessment was also shared as a summary during a POLIS ‘safety and security working group‘ meeting in October 2024.

Road crashes cause 1.19 million deaths and over 50 million injuries annually, with speeding as the leading cause. Vulnerable road users (VRUs), such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, face heightened risks due to minimal protection in collisions. Research shows that reducing speed limits to 30 km/h dramatically enhances safety, with a pedestrian’s survival likelihood rising to 90% in crashes at this speed, compared to under 50% at 50 km/h.

The study evaluates the broad impacts of implementing 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas, addressing safety, environmental, energy, traffic, and health effects. Evidence highlights a 40% reduction in fatalities, alongside decreased emissions, lower energy consumption, and improved public health through increased walking and cycling. This aligns with the Vision Zero and Safe System approaches, emphasizing road systems designed to minimize human error impacts.

Despite benefits, public resistance and limited evidence on multi-parameter impacts hinder widespread adoption. Cities like Glasgow have embraced 30 km/h limits as part of comprehensive safety strategies, achieving lower fatality rates. This study provides a framework for assessing such limits’ multifaceted advantages, emphasizing their potential to create safer, healthier, and more livable urban environments while supporting global road safety goals.

Besides the fact that the PHOEBE project supports this cause, further safety implementations and infrastructure solutions, such as physically separated bicycle lanes and secure road crossings, are essential tools to enhance VRU safety.