How do drivers interact with cyclists at unsignalized intersections? A driving simulator study

Other conference contribution, 2024

As cycling gains popularity in European cities, understanding cyclist behavior in urban areas is crucial for safety. Despite a general decrease in traffic-related deaths, cyclist fatalities, particularly at intersections, have risen. Interactions between cyclists and vehicles at unsignalized intersections, governed only by priority rules, are of particular concern due to frequent non-compliance by motorists. Limited research has quantitatively examined these interactions. This study used a driving simulator to explore drivers' responses to cyclists at unsignalized intersections, proposing quantitative models to predict driver behavior and improve safety systems for both cyclists and automated vehicles. Results indicate that lower vehicle speeds and shorter times to arrival at intersections increase the likelihood of drivers yielding to cyclists, providing valuable insights for enhancing road safety.