Two field studies on drivers' ability to detect cyclists and cycle crossings have been carried out. In the first study, the night-time visibility distances of cyclists and of cycle crossings along straight road stretches were investigated. It was found that cyclists were detected at a significantly longer distance than cycle crossing markings. In wet weather, the visibility distance of cycle crossing markings was significantly shorter than in dry weather. No such effect was seen for the visibility distance of cyclists. In the second study, drivers' gaze behaviour at cycle crossings located immediately after right turns was investigated. A cyclist approached the cycle crossing from the same direction as the participant. The visibility of cycle crossings during night-time was rated lower compared to daytime. The cyclist was detected by all participants. Gaze parameters such as dwell time, maximum duration length was higher and the number of glances was lower at night. No statistically significant differences in the gaze parameters were found between the daytime and night-time condition. (Author/publisher)
Abstract