By Charles Pekow — Roadway stress likely affects how much Americans cycle, but its impact remains unclear due to a lack of effective measurement methods. Researchers at the University of Texas have developed a solution using smartphones. Traditional approaches, such as surveys, often suffer from biases in self-reported data, while physiological measurements, like heart rate tracking, are impractical for large-scale or real-time studies.
The researchers created CyclistAI, an app that assesses stress using a simulator with an accuracy rate of 89% for real-world conditions. The app monitors road conditions, rider maneuvers, and prompts cyclists in real time to rate their stress levels as low, medium, or high. This data can help urban planners identify streets where cyclists feel safer and more comfortable riding.
Read more about it at https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/78275
