54 - Considerations for Research-Appropriate Bicycle Simulation using Off-the-Shelf Products
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Bicycles are regarded as an ecologically friendly mode of transportation, but in the United States motorists far outnumber bicyclists on the road. With many roads built to accommodate motor vehicles first, how are cyclists meant to safely navigate the open road? Simulator studies provide a way to examine hazardous conditions in a safe environment, something that is particularly important given the vulnerable status of bicyclists. Simulators vary greatly in realism and cost. Finding a solution that fits research goals and is feasible to use can be challenging. Commercially available Grand Theft Auto V, a Wahoo Kickr Bike, and the publicly available GT Bike V mod were explored as a simulator solution for bicycle research. This set-up required no programming or engineering skills to implement. High levels of realism were easily achieved but experimental control was limited. High levels of realism are important in safety research, for instance, because participant feelings of presence in the environment can impact cognitions and behavior. On the other hand, low levels of experimental control, such as identical environmental elements appearing repeatedly in a scene, could make results difficult to interpret. Unexpected challenges related to participant experience with bicycling and individual differences in endurance also complicate study design. Nevertheless, this simulator set-up provides a promising option for examining bicyclists’ behaviors and reactions to traffic conditions, route features, and hazards. We hope this research will provide useful information that will improve safety for bicyclists and other vulnerable road users as well as impact transportation legislation.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Mary L. Still
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Psychology
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Human Factors Psychology
54 - Considerations for Research-Appropriate Bicycle Simulation using Off-the-Shelf Products
Bicycles are regarded as an ecologically friendly mode of transportation, but in the United States motorists far outnumber bicyclists on the road. With many roads built to accommodate motor vehicles first, how are cyclists meant to safely navigate the open road? Simulator studies provide a way to examine hazardous conditions in a safe environment, something that is particularly important given the vulnerable status of bicyclists. Simulators vary greatly in realism and cost. Finding a solution that fits research goals and is feasible to use can be challenging. Commercially available Grand Theft Auto V, a Wahoo Kickr Bike, and the publicly available GT Bike V mod were explored as a simulator solution for bicycle research. This set-up required no programming or engineering skills to implement. High levels of realism were easily achieved but experimental control was limited. High levels of realism are important in safety research, for instance, because participant feelings of presence in the environment can impact cognitions and behavior. On the other hand, low levels of experimental control, such as identical environmental elements appearing repeatedly in a scene, could make results difficult to interpret. Unexpected challenges related to participant experience with bicycling and individual differences in endurance also complicate study design. Nevertheless, this simulator set-up provides a promising option for examining bicyclists’ behaviors and reactions to traffic conditions, route features, and hazards. We hope this research will provide useful information that will improve safety for bicyclists and other vulnerable road users as well as impact transportation legislation.