Cycling behavior space requirements and safety of cycling on downhill sections

The Federal Highway Research Institute in Germany from Europe region has released this tender for The aim of this research project is to close the knowledge gaps regarding traffic safety cycling behavior and the space requirements of cyclists on downhill and uphill sections The current regulations do not provide planners with sufficient guidance for designing safe and attractive cycling infrastructure The current situation is characterized by the fact that downhill sections pose an increased risk of accidents for cyclists UDV No 96 98 This applies to all roads with and without separate cycle paths The risk varies depending on the location For example downhill is listed as a characteristic of the accident site in approximately 17 of single-vehicle accidents involving cyclists and resulting in personal injury compared to approximately 39 in rural areas UDV No 98 Therefore the FGSV regulations and international guidelines recommend wider cycle paths on downhill sections However specific recommendations are not provided It is plausible however that various aspects are closely related to cycling speeds At the same time little is known about the relationship between cycling speed and its traffic safety route parameters compatibility with pedestrian traffic sensitivity to uneven surfaces required stopping sight distances riding stability and the influence of edge markings Consequently planners lack the necessary information to select the required width allowances or to make fundamental decisions regarding the design of cycle paths on inclines and declines Therefore a research project will investigate potential relationships between longitudinal gradient gradient length and the resulting speed Based on these speeds the effects on the aforementioned aspects will be determined The research findings will then be used to formulate reliable recommendations for the relevant regulations with tender notice no. 669614-2026 published on 07 Oct 2026. The tender is due to expire on 10 Nov 2026. This tender is sourced from TED Europa and is eligible for suppliers interested in Research and development services and related consultancy services. Interested bidders can obtain further information including complete bid documents or ways to participate by registering on Tender Impulse and referencing via Tender Impulse ID 15296346.