Which term best describes the flow of non-motorized traffic like bicycles and pedestrians?

The term that best describes the flow of non-motorized traffic, such as bicycles and pedestrians, is mixed flow. This concept refers to a traffic situation where various modes of transportation, including motorized and non-motorized vehicles, share the same space or pathway. In this scenario, bicycles and pedestrians interact with motor vehicles, which can lead to unique challenges and considerations for traffic operations.

Mixed flow is significant because it influences the design of roadways and intersections, as engineers must account for the safety and efficiency of multiple user types sharing the roadway environment. This necessitates careful analysis of behavior patterns, speeds, and interactions, ensuring that safety measures and infrastructure adequately support all modes of transportation.

The other terms do not specifically capture the essence of non-motorized traffic. Cadenced flow and synchronized flow typically relate to the timing of vehicles at signals or other forms of coordinated movement, while non-motorized flow, despite its straightforward description, is not as widely recognized in traffic engineering terminology as mixed flow. Thus, mixed flow is the most accurate term for describing the integration of bicycles and pedestrians within the broader traffic context.