Interactive test to boost cyclist safety

Researchers are developing an interactive test designed to improve cyclists’ safety and confidence. 

Despite the well-known health benefits of riding, fear of being injured in an accident or collision can make people hesitate to jump on a bike.   

Dr David Broadbent and colleagues are developing an online resource to help enhance people’s situational awareness skills, knowledge and confidence when riding on the road, to improve their ability to make safe decisions. 

The project is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The resource will present 360-degree first person perspective videos of a cyclist in various environments and scenarios.  

“Good situational awareness while riding a bike means looking and listening to what is happening around you, understanding the road rules, and being able to predict potential hazards to make safe decisions,” Dr Broadbent said.  

“We know that poor situational awareness, such as underdeveloped hazard perception, can be a key factor in road traffic crashes. 

“This test will serve as an educational resource which we hope will lead to more people engaging in safe cycling on our roads.” 

Dr Broadbent has interviewed experienced cyclists from across Australia, and consulted with qualified instructors, to help develop the test by determining the situational awareness requirements of cycling.  Once developed, he will check the validity of the test by comparing the results of people of different ages and experience levels; and compare their situational awareness scores from the test to their on-road riding ability.  

The test will be free to use as part of a national approach to vulnerable road user education, and will contribute to the targets set by the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30, as well as the long-term aim of Vision Zero to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.