Keep it Real: Investigating Driver-Cyclist Interaction in Real-World Traffic

Al-Taie, A. , Abdrabou, Y., Macdonald, S. , Pollick, F. and Brewster, S. (2023) Keep it Real: Investigating Driver-Cyclist Interaction in Real-World Traffic. In: 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '23), Hamburg, Germany, 23-28 Apr 2023, p. 769. ISBN 9781450394215 (doi: 10.1145/3544548.3581049)

Abstract

Cyclists encounter drivers in many traffic scenarios; good communication is key to avoiding collisions. Little is known about everyday driver-cyclist interaction and communication. This is important in designing Automated Vehicles (AVs) that must drive safely around cyclists. We explored driver-cyclist interaction across diverse scenarios through in-the-wild observations (N=414) and a naturalistic study involving cyclists wearing eye-trackers (N=12). Results showed cyclists attended to road markings and traffic signs in controlled traffic scenarios but to vehicle sides and windows in uncontrolled encounters. Interactions were unlikely at controlled intersections, but various techniques were used to negotiate right-of-way in uncontrolled scenarios, e.g. cyclists used arm gestures and shoulder checks to communicate their intent and awareness when lane merging. Drivers communicated these through on-vehicle signals and head movements at roundabouts. We discuss the implications of driver-cyclist interaction behaviour on AV interaction design and offer insights into system requirements to support cyclists riding in traffic.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: This publication was supported by the Excellence Bursary Award from the University of Glasgow and the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) grant number 1931.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Pollick, Professor Frank and Brewster, Professor Stephen and Macdonald, Mr Shaun and Al Taie, Ammar Jamal Said
• Authors: Al-Taie, A., Abdrabou, Y., Macdonald, S., Pollick, F., and Brewster, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience; College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Research Group: Glasgow Interactive Systems Section
• ISBN: 9781450394215
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems: 769
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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