Attentional requirements on cyclists and drivers in urban intersections. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kircher, Katja; Ahlström, Christer
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 68(2020)
• Page Start: 105
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2019.12.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: A MiRA theory/SEEV model combination can be used to evaluate infrastructure demands. When going straight in a crossing, demands on cyclists are higher than on drivers. Empirical information sampling behaviour corresponds to the identified demands. The method validation can be improved by including additional data sources. Abstract: Even though often travelling on the same roads, it has been shown that cyclists and car drivers interpret their environment differently, which can lead to misunderstandings and collisions. Based on the Minimum Required Attention (MiRA) theory and the Salience, Effort, Expectancy, Value (SEEV) model, it is investigated whether the attentional requirements put on drivers and cyclists are different in urban intersections, and how difficult it is to fulfil the requirements for the two road user groups. Additionally, glance data from 23 participants who both cycled and drove along an urban route are compared with respect to information sampling strategies and the fulfilment of attentional requirements depending on its type for three intersections. Generally, more attentional requirements existed for cyclists, and due to where they occur relative to the infrastructure, in combination with the physical aspects of cycling, they are less likely to be fulfilled. This was also corroborated by the empirical data, which showed that requirements clearly visible from the infrastructural design are fulfilled more often than those that are not. Overall, the theoretical evaluation of the infrastructure was confirmed by the empirical data, such that the proposed method can be used as a starting point for a theoretical, human centred evaluation of traffic infrastructure.