Past Research

Sponsor: USDOT, through PSR9 UTC

PI: Edward Smaglik

Co-PI: Brendan Russo

Historically bicyclists may have been an afterthought and expected to share space
with motor vehicles, however, this is outdated attitude is giving way to new approaches found in
various bicycle infrastructure design guidance documents. This study used a multi-staged
approach to investigate the usage of these guides by state and local agencies. A literature
review synthesized literature and published guides on bicycle infrastructure design and was
followed by a survey of… Read more

Sponsor: City of Phoenix, AZ

PI: Edward Smaglik

Co-PIs: Steven Gehrke and Brendan Russo

In order to take a more proactive approach toward the implementation and operation
of Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) and other non-motorized user-focused treatments in the
City of Phoenix, this project provided guidance on the implementation of different pedestrian
treatments at signalized intersections within Phoenix. Using sites selected through a crash
analysis, video data was collected to analyze vehicle – pedestrian interactions at signalized
intersections (with and without LPIs,… Read more

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation, Pacific Southwest Region 9 UTC

PI: Chun-Hsing Ho

Co-PIs: Brendan J. Russo and Steven R. Gehrke

Project Report: https://www.metrans.org/assets/research/psr%20final%20report%20nau%20instrumented%20bike%20revised%2011252022.docx.pdf

This research project developed an instrumented bike with a sensor logger, a video device (e.g., GoPro), a mobile app, and a cloud server/website to detect real-time quality of cycling infrastructure systems (bike trails, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, etc.). The instrumented bike is capable of immediately sharing the information with cyclists (road users) and governments/authorities… Read more

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation, Pacific Southwest Region 9 UTC

PI: Steven R. Gehrke

Co-PIs: Edward J. Smaglik and Brendan J. Russo

Project Report: https://www.metrans.org/assets/research/psr_finalreport_21-16.pdf

Information and communication technology advancements and an increased demand for contactless deliveries after the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in the growing adoption of automated delivery services. Across university campuses, the deployment of sidewalk autonomous delivery robots (SADRs) has provided students, staff, and faculty a convenient last-mile delivery option. However, SADRs traverse campuses… Read more

Sponsor: City of Scottsdale

PI: Dr. Brendan Russo

Dates: 01/01/2021-11/30/2021

Project Report:
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Assets/ScottsdaleAZ/Transportation/Analysis+Left+In+Left+Out+-+2021.pdf

Over the past few decades the City of Scottsdale, Arizona has installed left-in/left-out (LILO) median opening treatments at approximately sixty intersections/driveways; typically at three-leg intersections or driveways on arterials with medians where the minor leg is stop-controlled. The treatment is relatively unique and consists of a channelizing island with an acceleration length provided for vehicles turning left out of the minor road (these left-turning vehicles then merge with major… Read more