Title: The acceptance of a prototype rear-view assistant for older cyclists: two modalities of warnings compared

Authors: C. Engbers; R. Dubbeldam; J.H. Buurke; L. Schaake; M. De Goede; J.S. Rietman; D. De Waard

Addresses: Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands; Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands ' Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands; Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands ' Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands; Faculty of Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands ' Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands ' Department of Earth, Life and Social Sciences, TNO Soesterberg, Postbus 23, Soesterberg 3769 ZG, The Netherlands ' Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands; Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, PO Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Neuropsychology/Traffic Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen, 9712 TS, The Netherlands

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on behaviour, mental effort and acceptance of a simple prototype of an electronic rear-view assistance system designed for older cyclists that are at risk of falls. The prototype was incorporated into a simple cycling simulator and provided information about traffic from behind in two modalities: visual and haptic. Twenty-one older participants (>64 years) completed three conditions: warnings in two modalities and a control condition without warnings. Mental effort and acceptance were assessed using subjective rating scales and by monitoring changes in cycling speed. Less mental effort was reported when using the rear-view assistant. Significantly more correct decisions regarding a safe left turn were made with system advice. No significant speed differences were found between the two modality conditions. It is concluded that the electronic rear-view assistance system can potentially support the older cyclist successfully by warning for traffic coming from behind.

Keywords: acceptance; cycling speed; ergonomics; evaluation; human factors; mental effort; Netherlands; older cyclists; rear-view assistant; subjective rating; technological support; warning modalities comparison.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2016.083520

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2016 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.264 - 281

Received: 11 Oct 2016
Accepted: 17 Jan 2017
Published online: 08 Apr 2017 *

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