Urban future: Unlocking Cycling with VR Applications

Svetlana Bialkova*, Dick Ettema, Martin Dijst

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Understanding how infrastructures and urban environments shape the highly differentiated cycling experiences calls for further investigation. The current study addressed this challenge by employing Virtual reality (VR) applications. Quantitative methods were combined with a video simulation approach to model demand for cycling under different scenarios. VR environment mirroring the streetscape of a Dutch city was created. Environment greenness (green vs. no green), Bicycle path width (wide vs. narrow), Traffic volume (low vs. high) were manipulated. Participants had to cycle within the environments created, and thus having VR bike experience translating real world bike ride. VR experiences and cycling behaviour in response to the manipulated factors were measured.The results showed that participants enjoyed cycling most within green environment (than no green), and with wide (than narrow) bicycle lane. It was safer to cycle within wide bicycle path, and within low (than high) traffic volume. The environment was perceived as more aesthetic when cycling within green environment.Regression modelling further explored the relationship between the parameters hypothesised to influence the VR experiences. The better the naturalness and presence were perceived, the higher was the engagement. The higher the engagement was, the more the VR experience was liked.Current outcomes are unambiguous in showing that VR technology opens new avenues in addressing real-life problems with huge societal relevance, like improving urban environment infrastructure to unlock cycling and thus active transport.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2018 IEEE Workshop on Augmented and Virtual Realities for Good, VAR4Good 2018
PublisherIEEE
ISBN (Electronic)9781538659779
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Dec 2018
Event2018 IEEE Workshop on Augmented and Virtual Realities for Good, VAR4Good 2018 - Reutlingen, Germany
Duration: 18 Mar 2018 → …

Conference

Conference2018 IEEE Workshop on Augmented and Virtual Realities for Good, VAR4Good 2018
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityReutlingen
Period18/03/18 → …

Keywords

  • Active transport
  • Augmented and virtual realities
  • Cycling
  • Information interfaces and presentation
  • Urban environment
  • User/Machine Systems-Human Factors

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