Interaction between cyclists and motor vehicles - the role of infrastructure design and vehicle characteristics

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to examine interactions between motor vehicle drivers and cyclists at intersections and the impact of infrastructure design and motor vehicle characteristics on interactive behavior. The goal of the project was to develop a quantification of risk situations, risk awareness, behavioural interplay of cyclists and drivers of motor vehicles. In addition, the project wanted to make recommendations that could help reduce the frequency of accidents at intersections.

Expected results and effects

The results confirm that the design of the bicycle infrastructure at intersections contributes to how cyclists and motor vehicles interact. This is illustrated in several ways and based on several different approaches in the project. The results provide an overall grant to the development of road safety in relation to the interaction between cyclists and motor vehicles, conventional as well as autonomous vehicles, and thus give effect to the “Consideration objective” for increased road safety.

Planned approach and implementation

The project included literature review on cycling infrastructure at intersections, vehicle driver and cyclist behavior; questionnaires among motor vehicle drivers and cyclists; field observations to investigate what cues cyclists use to interpret the intention of motor vehicles they interact with at signalized intersections; on-site interviews with cyclists to explore their strategy in an encounter with a motor vehicle; and a cycling simulator study to examine the behavior of cyclists when approaching an intersection and the factors that may influence their decisions.