BikeZ-ETH – A Mass-Cycling Trajectory Dataset from a Controlled Experiment

Abstract

This dataset contains high-resolution bicycle trajectory data collected during a controlled mass-cycling experiment conducted on a circular test track at ETH Zurich. A total of 28 cyclists were recorded using aerial video over approximately 30 minutes. The experiment systematically varied the number of simultaneous cyclists and the effective lane width to capture a range of traffic density conditions, including free-flow, disturbed flow, and stop-and-go regimes. Bicycle positions were extracted from drone footage using computer vision-based object detection and tracking, followed by state estimation and Kalman filtering to obtain smooth Cartesian trajectories at frame level. The dataset includes raw video recordings, object annotations, and processed trajectories with spatial and temporal attributes. By isolating cyclist interactions from complex road geometry and mixed traffic, the dataset provides a controlled basis for studying bicycle traffic flow, lateral movement, overtaking manoeuvres, and collective dynamics. The dataset is suitable for use in traffic flow analysis, microscopic modelling, and the development and evaluation of bicycle-specific trajectory prediction methods.

Kevin Riehl

Doctoral Researcher & Scientist

My name is Kevin Riehl, and I am a cosmopolitan, technology enthusiast and philantrop. I believe, that technology is the key to make the world a better place, and that learning, self-improvement, collaboration and criticial thinking are our duty as gifted minds.