Bike for Science!

Researchers from the University of Minnesota are conducting a project for the Minnesota Department
of Transportation titled “Operational Characteristics of Conventional and Electric-Assisted Bicycles and
Their Riders.” The project objectives are to document operational characteristics such as speed and
acceleration for both e-bikes and conventional bikes, compare these measures with values used in
MnDOT Bicycle Facility Design Manual, and assess whether MnDOT needs to change designs for bicycle
facilities to reduce crash risks associated with the growing numbers of e-bikes on Minnesota streets and
bikeways.

To accomplish these objectives, the researchers are holding a series of “Bike for Science” rides in
communities in both the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and in Greater Minnesota. Cyclists are being
asked to bring their bike or e-bike (or both!) to ride pre-set 2-3 mile routes that include different types
of bicycle facilities (e.g., on-street bike lanes and multiuse trails) and different slopes. Researchers will
instrument bikes with UMN data loggers to obtain the relevant measurements. All measures will be
anonymized: your name will never be associated with your data.

Volunteer participants will receive a “Bike for Science” water bottle or bike helmet. Researchers will
report project results to all participants in 2027 following completion of the project.

The Bike for Science ride in Rochester will be held on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in
Silver Lake Park, West Shelter. Researchers hope to recruit 20-40 riders. The researchers will ask each
rider to sign a liability waiver, record their name, gender, and type of bike, and provide a map of the
route. They then will measure and weigh each bike, attach the data logger, and direct the rider to the
starting point. Each rider will be asked to ride the route twice because pilot tests indicate riders tend to
go faster after they know the route. Upon completion of the ride, volunteers will return the datalogger
and receive their gift. In case of severe weather on the scheduled date, we have set Saturday, June 13 as
a rain date.

To participate, please register at this link and sign up for one of the one-hour time blocks:
Rochester Link: https://calendly.com/umnbikedata/b4s-rochester

By signing up for a time, you will help the researchers manage participation and ensure that waiting
time for instrumentation of your bike is minimized. If you want to participate but are unsure when you
may be able to make it, please just register and come when you can. Walk-ins also will be welcome.
Questions? Please email the research team at umnbikedata@gmail.com.