As cycling gains traction as a sustainable transport mode, enhancing cyclists' safety has become a key priority within European policy. Among the various developments introduced, Advanced Cyclist Assistance Systems (ACAS) stand out as a promising technological innovation. However, research on their perceived value and adoption remains limited, particularly regarding user preferences and demographic differences. Aim: This study aimed to examine European cyclists' evaluation of five ACAS types and their core functional features, as well as to explore demographic differences, particularly in relation to cyclists' gender and age. Method: This study used the data provided by 6167 cyclists (47.4% females; 51.5% males; 1.1% others) from 19 European countries. Participants provided self-reported evaluations of five ACAS types (environmental monitoring, rider visibility enhancement, real-time information, crash prevention-assistance, and post-crash appliances) along with key features (safety contribution, reliability, ease of use, novelty, and everyday need). Results: Among ACAS types, visibility-enhancing systems (designed to increase cyclists' conspicuity) and environmental monitoring technologies received the highest valuations, while real-time information systems were rated the lowest. Safety contribution was the most highly valued attribute across all ACAS features. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with female cyclists prioritizing visibility and safety-related aspects. In contrast, male cyclists –while also favoring visibility-improving ACAS– placed greater emphasis on ease of use as a core feature. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of user-centered ACAS design and suggest that broader adoption may depend on improving system reliability, regulatory frameworks, and alignment with cyclists' needs and attitudinal factors. Future research should explore real-world ACAS implementation and long-term adoption trends to support safer and more technologically integrated cycling environments.

Introduction: The promotion of cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport is often hindered by safety concerns. Cycling safety is influenced by various factors, such as infrastructure, traffic conditions, and cycling skills. Online cycling training is a scalable method for improving safety skills, but its effectiveness is ultimately determined by users' acceptance and usage intentions of the intervention. Methods: This study uses a survey approach to investigate the usage and acceptance of an online cycling training intervention for adults, employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) as theoretical framework. The training consisted of three modules designed to train cycling skills in seven traffic situations - such as recognizing priority, appropriate lateral position along parked cars, and recognizing blind spot situations. Out of 10,000 invitees, 1182 individuals completing module 1, and 708 individuals completing the entire training as well as answering to a survey to measure acceptance. Results: Findings showed that frequent cyclists were significantly more likely to complete the entire training. Overall, acceptance ratings were generally high, with effort expectancy (ease of use) receiving the highest ratings, while the performance expectancy (perceived learning effect) was rated the lowest. Key factors associated with participants' intention to continue or participate anew in the training included hedonic motivation (fun), perceived learning benefits, price value (attractive prizes). Participants' cycling frequency moderated these effects. Conclusion: This study's results indicate that a considerable share of cyclists is willing to complete an online cycling training. To enhance its reach, the training should appeal to both intrinsic motivation (enjoyment, learning benefits) and extrinsic motivation (prizes). Additionally, targeted measures are recommended to effectively address infrequent cyclists.

As cycling grows in popularity as a sustainable transport mode in Europe, cyclist safety has become a priority. Advanced Cyclist Assistance Systems (ACAS), inspired by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), offer potential safety improvements but remain underexplored. This study examines ACAS acceptance among 5,991 cyclists from 19 European countries, focusing on public perceptions and adoption drivers. Participants evaluated various ACAS types-crash prevention, visibility enhancement, environmental monitoring, and post-crash assistance-based on safety, usability, and reliability. Acceptance varied across countries, with higher rates in areas with strong cycling infrastructure. Safety and reliability were universally valued, though gender differences emerged: women prioritised safety and visibility, while men favoured usability and added features. The findings highlight the importance of infrastructure, reliable technology, and awareness efforts to promote adoption. Policymakers and developers can use these insights to tailor ACAS innovations, ultimately enhancing cycling safety and supporting the broader development of smart, cyclist-focused technologies.

Background Reducing driving speed is a key factor in improving road safety and combating noise emissions. As a result, an increasing number of cities worldwide are lowering speed limits on urban roads. However, main urban roads differ from residential streets in several ways, including their appearance, type of trips they accommodate, mix of vehicles and the presence of public transport. These differences limit the design options available for speed reduction.This paper examines the impact of continuous road design measures on drivers' preferred speed, safe speed and actual driving speed on urban main roads, as well as the psychological processes influencing these choices. Methods A virtual reality (VR) study was conducted using a driving simulator. Participants drove through a series of main roads in VR with varying speed limits and road designs. Speed and lateral position were recorded; in a follow-up survey, participants stated their preferred - as well as the considered ‘safe’ - speed along different road designs. They were also asked about driving style, perceived complexity and safety of each treatment. Results Simulator results indicated that only specific road designs result in slightly lower driving speeds. Survey results revealed that certain measures influenced preferred and safe speed. Specifically, those with effectiveness linked to the presence or absence of other road users (cyclists, pedestrians, or other cars). Moreover, the study showed that perceived safety and complexity moderated the effectiveness of these road design measures. Conclusion Overall, road design measures investigated in this study provided evidence on the impact of road design on driving behavior, but also demonstrated the need for further investigations to include dynamic human factors, as well as combinations of measures to achieve the goal of lower speeds on urban roads.

BACKGROUND:Acknowledging the significance of both subjective and objective safety in promoting cycling, there is a need for effective measures aimed at improving cycling skills among a broader population. Hence, the aim of the current study is to evaluate and investigate the impact of online cycling training targeted at adults. METHODS:An online cycling training consisting of three modules was developed to train safe behaviour in seven prototypical safety-relevant situations. 10,000 individuals were invited to participate, with 700 individuals completing the training. The effectiveness of the training was evaluated using a mixed-methods approach combining self-report measures with behavioural measures. Self-report measures were collected using four items of the Cycling Skills Inventory and knowledge-based questions. On a behavioural level, effectiveness was investigated using a virtual reality cycling simulator. RESULTS:Participants' self-reported cycling skills were evaluated before and after participation in the online training. Three out of four self-reported skills (i.e. predicting traffic situations, showing consideration, knowing how to act) improved on average, across participants. Moreover, participants who cycle less frequently benefited more from the training as they indicated their ability to recognise hazards, to predict traffic situations and to know how to appropriately after completion of the online training. Finally, all participants indicated that they felt more comfortable while cycling after completing the training. In the training evaluation, it was found that the treatment group navigated through traffic more safely on a behavioural level, and/or possessed the required knowledge-based skills in three out of five evaluated situations. CONCLUSION:These promising findings indicate that online cycling training is one potential avenue to develop cycling skills within a target audience of adult cyclists: not only on a knowledge level, but also on a behavioural level. Notwithstanding limitations, we conclude that an online cycling training can contribute to safer cycling and the promotion of cycling in general.