“We were also interested in the wind gust generated by the truck, which is why we needed 80 km/h. Also, in other EU countries (e.g. Sweden, where these trucks are to be used) there are almost no cycle paths at all alongside rural roads.” –Katja Kircher
Totally recognize these experiments were performed on a closed course with safety precautions in place including a harness for the biker but footage still gives me the willies. Nothing quite as unnerving as getting your tower buzzed by a speeding truck while riding a bike. Researchers at VTI tested various speeds for the truck and distances from the rider. They are currently analyzing the data and will post the results once they have them. I’m interested to see what they find:
Last weekend we collected data on how 23 experienced road cyclists feel when being passed by a truck. We tested 50 and 80 km/h and 1 m, 1.5 m and 2 m clearance with a standard and an extra long truck. Many thanks to all volunteers and the team! pic.twitter.com/bufzhvKvm4
— Katja Kircher 🚴♀️ – @katjakircher@mastodon.nu (@KatjaKircher) April 27, 2023
The twitter thread is pretty lively with cyclists chiming in on various aspects of the experiment. Abeja Bike tossed this visualization into the mix:
Hi Katja, we share this video where you can see how the air moves, first the air is swallowed by the truck and then pushed out,this is the reason the cyclists needs more 1.5mtrs.
Video: source pending. 🚲🐝🌻 pic.twitter.com/3PQB1NCf4G— Abeja Bike (@AbejaBike) April 28, 2023