Abstract
In the Netherlands, older cyclists run an increased risk of bicycle
crashes. Critical factors are low-speed interactions, stopping, (dis)mounting,
and potentially misjudging riding speeds. A Bicycle Light Communication
System (BLCS) was therefore developed that displayed riding speed, braking,
and turning intentions. In an experiment, 21 older and 20 younger cyclists
observed BLCS-signals of a lead cyclist and estimated speeds of an
approaching cyclist, with and without BLCS. Interviews were conducted to
assess general opinions on BLCS and its influence on cycling behaviour. In a small follow-up study, twelve older cyclists used a BLCS-bicycle one
week to explore first user-impressions. The majority evaluated the BLCS
positively, mainly the turning indicator and brake light components, even
though interpreting the speed signals was difficult. Although the first userimpressions revealed that the direction indicator does not influence selfreported balance (positively or negatively), the majority reported that they
would like to use a BLCS themselves.
crashes. Critical factors are low-speed interactions, stopping, (dis)mounting,
and potentially misjudging riding speeds. A Bicycle Light Communication
System (BLCS) was therefore developed that displayed riding speed, braking,
and turning intentions. In an experiment, 21 older and 20 younger cyclists
observed BLCS-signals of a lead cyclist and estimated speeds of an
approaching cyclist, with and without BLCS. Interviews were conducted to
assess general opinions on BLCS and its influence on cycling behaviour. In a small follow-up study, twelve older cyclists used a BLCS-bicycle one
week to explore first user-impressions. The majority evaluated the BLCS
positively, mainly the turning indicator and brake light components, even
though interpreting the speed signals was difficult. Although the first userimpressions revealed that the direction indicator does not influence selfreported balance (positively or negatively), the majority reported that they
would like to use a BLCS themselves.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 294-317 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Journal | International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct-2021 |
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Shedding light on cyclist safety
de Waard, D. & Westerhuis, F.
21/10/2021
1 item of Media coverage
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