Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 4-15-2025

Abstract

In North America, cyclists often share infrastructure with motor vehicles and encounter frequent conflicts with them at intersections. While past research assumes cyclists' experiences mirror those of drivers, most studies focus on roadway segments rather than intersections. This study addresses that gap by, for the first time we are aware of, examining cyclist perceptions at intersections using head and gaze movement data. Leveraging naturalistic data conducted in Albuquerque New Mexico, and statistical techniques, including t-test and repeated measures ANOVA, our findings suggest that – similar to drivers - cyclists do experience greater mental workload when performing turning movements than when performing straight movements. However, we find that cyclists experience the greatest mental workload when performing right turns. From this, we suggest that transportation professionals further investigate the mental workload of cyclists while performing turning movements, but improvements should be made for cyclists for all turning movements.

Keywords

Cycling, Human Factors, Eye Tracking, Naturalistic, Intersection, Mental Workload

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lisa Losada-Rojas

Second Committee Member

Nicholas Ferenchak

Third Committee Member

Karim Habib

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