Psycho-physiological measures on a bicycle simulator in immersive virtual environments: how protected/curbside bike lanes may improve perceived safety

As a healthier and more sustainable way of mobility, cycling has been advocated by literature policy. However, current trends in bicyclist crash fatalities suggest deficiencies roadway design protecting these vulnerable road users. The lack data is common challenge for studying bicyclists' safety, behavior, comfort levels under different contexts. To understand behavioral physiological responses an efficient safe way, this study uses bicycle simulator within immersive virtual environment (IVE). Off-the-shelf sensors are utilized to evaluate performance (speed lane position) (eye tracking heart rate (HR)). Participants bike simulated modeled scale from real-world street with shared (sharrow) how introduction protected pylons may impact perceptions as well psycho-physiological responses. Results 50 participants show that the received highest perceived safety rating exhibited lowest average speed. Furthermore, both scenarios less dispersed gaze distribution than as-built sharrow scenario, reflecting higher focus among bicyclists on biking task scenarios, compared when share right vehicles. Additionally, change point results creating dedicated zones (bike lanes or lanes) potential reduce stress levels.