Exploring Research Trends in Mixed Traffic Flow Simulation by Bibliometric Analysis

Mixed traffic flows have been explored by scientists for decades, but this research and related review articles are mainly limited to a certain topic or field, and there are relatively few systematic review studies on mixed traffic flow using bibliometric methods. In this study, literature data retrieved from the Web of Science on the topic of mixed traffic flow simulation between 2004 and 2023 were analyzed by bibliometric and scientific mapping methods. The results indicate that, as time goes by, the research hotspot has gradually shifted from the mixed traffic flow composed of different types of motorized vehicles with nonmotorized vehicles and pedestrians to the mixed traffic flow composed of networked self‐driving vehicles and hand‐driving vehicles. Meanwhile, subtopics in related fields such as vehicle trajectory prediction, ramp design, and traffic signal control have also attracted much attention of researchers. In addition, the popularization of the Green Travel concept has made research on hybrid traffic flow more focused on energy saving and environmental protection. This study summarizes the history of research on mixed traffic flow and the change of research focus and recommends future research directions to provide guidance for improving road control measures and upgrading related technologies.