Safe bicycling – Problems and solutions

M Grecka,Z Pavare,J Blums,A Vilumsone

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20141000009

M Grecka, Z Pavare + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20141000009

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Abstract

Herewith a popularity of bicycling, various safety problems of cyclists are researched. Studies are connected with infrastructure, riding culture, choice of cyclist's suit and riding equipment. Overall, 382 respondents (159 cyclists, 119 drivers, 104 pedestrians) were involved in the survey. The road participants' mutual communication problems in the traffic and opportunities of solving them were clarified. Most of cyclists wear comfortable daily or sporty clothing with reflective elements, and in their opinion, clothing with light emissive elements must be like daily clothing. The drivers could better notice cyclists, if they wear brightly colored suit with light emissive and reflective elements, but pedestrians – if cyclists use warning sound signals. The opinions of road participants about the placement of light emissive and reflective elements in cyclist's clothing were clarified. The prototype of cycling belt (Fig. 1e) has been drawn up with LED stop signals, which are activated by the accelerometer placed in the central back pocket. The results of approbation have shown that the sensor does not provide the proper functioning of signals, due to a high level of riding movements. Using Motion Capture technology and bicycle exercise equipment, the research of oscillation of anthropometric points on the back has been carried out. The accelerometer should be placed between scapulae to design the cycling jacket.

Highlights

Bicycle is considered a beneficial transport and cycling is 5 times more effective than any type of travelling, for example, hiking, or distance walking
An increasing number of cyclists, the safety problems of cyclists are researched [4]. These problems are related with many aspects, e.g. cycling infrastructure, the riding culture of the road participants and choice of corresponding clothing [1, 3,4,5]
light reflective (LR) elements are widely used in brightly colored upper clothing and accessories - different covers, straps, belts, bags

Summary

Introduction

Bicycle is considered a beneficial transport and cycling is 5 times more effective than any type of travelling, for example, hiking, or distance walking. The cyclist’s suit is defined by rider’s style, the type of bicycle, the functional features and construction of clothing, and by the use of light reflective (LR) and emissive elements (LE) (Fig. 1). The approbation has proven that the sensor (placed on the back of the belt) does not provide the proper functioning of stop signals, due to the high level of additional movements of a cyclist during the riding As in this case it is unacceptable, the research of oscillation of the anthropometrical points on the back has been carried out to clarify the most appropriate placement of accelerometer for the design of cycling jacket (Fig. 5). Cyclist’s suit, and to define the placement of electronic components for the activity of projected clothing

Materials and methods

B Motion capture

Results

Discussion

Conclusions