Cycling Safety at the Fore – Evaluation of a Cyclist Warning System from a User Perspective

Abstract

Cycling offers the opportunity to reach destinations in a healthy and eco-friendly manner. However, cyclists are specifically vulnerable traffic participants facing potential hazards with possibly severe injuries. To support cyclists and enhance cycling safety, we developed and evaluated a cyclist warning system (CWS) using a combination of visual, auditory and tactile signals to warn in case a safety critical event is detected. As elderly cyclists are known to be specifically vulnerable having a higher risk for (severe) injuries, this group would particularly benefit from such a system and is therefore taken into account. We conducted a 2x2 mixed design bicycle simulator study investigating the effects of the CWS prototype (within; simulation ride with versus without CWS) and age (between; elderly versus younger group). Participants experienced two blocks of short test drives involving the following safety critical events with particular relevance for cyclists: (a) right turning truck with cyclist in blind spot, (b) intersection with obstructed view, and c) opening door of a parking vehicle. In sum, N = 65 adult participants (n = 32 elderly (> 55 years), n = 33 younger (<40 years)) took part in the study and were asked to assess perceived safety and workload during both blocks as well as acceptance of and trust in the CWS. Results revealed significantly increased feelings of safety regardless of age group when using the CWS compared to the baseline condition while the level of workload did not differ between both blocks. The overall assessment revealed good ratings regarding trust and acceptance of the CWS. Besides, we found age effects concerning generally higher workload ratings and better acceptance ratings of the younger group. In a next step, these promising results should be extended by further safety relevant measures.