Name: What makes other path users uncomfortable sharing with micro mobility devices? Investigating open-ended comments using structural topic modelling
Start: 2025-05-28T08:30:00-0400
End: 2025-05-28T08:50:00-0400

Welcome to CTRF’s 60th Annual Conference! Enjoy Ottawa

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am EDT

Desmarais 1130

As personal mobility devices (PMDs) gain popularity, their coexistence with other path-users in off-street shared spaces is becoming a concern. Past studies show that path-users perceive lower comfort towards motorized types of PMDs. However, the underlying factors affecting the perceived comfort of sharing the path with PMDs require further investigation.

The objective of this study is to identify the primary considerations of non-automobile travelers when sharing a path with PMDs. We analyzed 1232 open-ended comments from a survey conducted on non-automobile paths in Vancouver, Canada, in which travelers rated their comfort sharing the path with different types of PMDs. Structural topic modeling was used to identify topics spontaneously discussed by participants when explaining their comfort ratings and investigate the underlying factors affecting the topic prevalence.

Results show that the primary overall considerations affecting comfort when sharing paths are facility design (e.g., pathway width), PMD characteristics (e.g., motorization and speed), and rider behavior (e.g., rule compliance). The topic most distinctly associated with motorized devices is "Safety risks associated with PMD design and speed attributes". Efforts to integrate PMDs into urban transportation systems without degrading the non-motorized travel experience should focus on riders' cautious behavior, riding skills, and compliance.

Speakers

Alexander Bigazzi

Associate Professor, University of British Columbia

Alex Bigazzi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on non-motorized and lightly-motorized travel – in particular, the intersection of physics, physiology, and behaviour for active travellers... Read More →

Pegah Ghane

University of British Columbia

Amir Hassanpour

85. Ghane Bigazzi Hassanpour Paper CTRF2025 pdf

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am EDT
Desmarais 1130 55 Laurier Ave E, Ottawa ON K1N 6N5

Making cities safer to move and deliver

CTRF 2025

Alexander Bigazzi

Pegah Ghane

Amir Hassanpour

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