Relieving Urban Traffic Congestion
First Claim
1. A method of reducing congestion on a roadway, comprisingproviding a vehicle roadway having at least one normal lane,dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of said roadway into two commuter lanes,providing distinctive lane markings to identify said commuter lanes, anddynamically designating said selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes.
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Abstract
A method of reducing congestion on a roadway is disclosed comprising dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of a roadway into two commuter lanes, providing distinctive lane markings to identify the commuter lanes, and dynamically designating selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes. In order to dynamically change lane configurations, a set of indicators can be provided as lane markers together with a control system to alter particular lane configurations between normal lanes and commuting lanes both cyclically according to a preprogrammed schedule and dynamically in response to sensed vehicle traffic volume, unusual events such as accidents, weather, and so on. Commuter lanes are designated cyclically and dynamically in response to traffic conditions to increase the capacity of the affected road. Normal lanes are designated at other times. To facilitate entry and exit from designated commuter lanes, transition zones can be provided where entering and exiting commuter lane traffic has right of way.
A commuter vehicle is disclosed for use on commuter lanes. A typical commuter vehicle weighs less than 650 lbs., has at least three wheels, an enclosed seating compartment, and a low center of gravity with at least one occupant. In one embodiment, occupants sit in a near-kneeling position to lower their center of gravity. In, an alternate embodiment also providing a low center of gravity, occupants sit in a recumbent position. A mechanism can be provided to raise and lower the seats to facilitate occupant entry and exit. Occupants can be position in-line, one behind the other. Embodiments with two, three, or more seats can be provided.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of reducing congestion on a roadway, comprising
providing a vehicle roadway having at least one normal lane, dividing selected lengths of selected normal lanes of said roadway into two commuter lanes, providing distinctive lane markings to identify said commuter lanes, and dynamically designating said selected lengths of selected lanes as either normal lanes or pairs of commuter lanes.
- 7. A commuter vehicle, comprising an enclosed seating compartment and three road running wheels, wherein the total vehicle weight is less than about 650 pounds, and the center of gravity with at least one occupant is less than about 13 inches above the ground.
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19. A system to reduce traffic congestion, comprising
a commuter vehicle; -
a vehicle roadway comprising a set of normal lanes and commuter lanes, wherein two commuter lanes are marked in the space of one normal lane; a dynamic lane marking system, wherein a length of a normal lane can be dynamically changed to and from a set of two commuter lanes; and a control system for said dynamic lane marking system, wherein said two commuter lanes are provided during times of heavy traffic, and said normal lane is provided when traffic is not heavy. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification