Title: A front- and rear-view assistant for older cyclists: evaluations on technical performance, user experience and behaviour

Authors: C. Engbers; R. Dubbeldam; J.H. Buurke; N. Kamphuis; S.H.H.M. De Hair-Buijssen; F. Westerhuis; D. De Waard; J.S. Rietman

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 33b, 7522 AH Enschede, The Netherlands; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands ' Roessingh Research and Development, Roessinghsbleekweg 33, Enschede 7522 AH, The Netherlands ' Integrated Vehicle Safety, TNO, Automotive Campus 30, 5708 JZ Helmond, The Netherlands ' Department: Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Traffic Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands ' Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Neuropsychology/Traffic Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen, 9712 TS, 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

Abstract: The older cyclist is more prone to get cycling accidents than younger cyclists. To support the older cyclist, a rear- and front-view assistant were developed that warns the cyclist of approaching traffic. User tests to evaluate system performance, user-experience and effects on behaviour were performed with 20 older cyclists (>64 years) on a predefined route outdoors with and without support from both assistants. During this route, the cyclist was confronted with two controlled scenarios with an overtaking and an oncoming cyclist. The participants' cycling behaviour was assessed by measuring lateral distance to the other cyclist, and distance maintained to the verge. The assistants had no effect on experienced mental workload. Both assistants received positive evaluations, although the rear-view assistant was experienced as more useful. Using the front-view assistant resulted in less lateral distance to the approaching oncoming cyclist, while the use of the rear-view assistant did not have effects on lateral distance.

Keywords: assistance; cycling; ageing; safety; support; accidents; elderly; mental workload; acceptance; lateral position.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2018.096099

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2018 Vol.5 No.4, pp.257 - 276

Received: 27 Dec 2017
Accepted: 14 Feb 2018
Published online: 12 Nov 2018 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article