Thread by @DIsaac8

This #CyclingScienceSunday let's look at whether drivers look for cyclists while making turns.

TL;DR: Approximately half of drivers don't look for cyclists, even while turning across a bike lane.

hfast.mie.utoronto.ca/wp-content/upl…

#LdnOnt #CycleWR #BikeTO

The authors used an eye-tracking headset with 19 participants who drove a set route in a retail/residential area of Toronto. The route included two turns off a major road with a bike lane (Bloor St.) onto other roads.

Turn 1 had a painted bike lane, while Turn 2 had a lane separated by parked cars that had a median with a bollard at the intersection. The parking ended 10m before the intersection.

The data from the headset was paired with video of the road to determine whether drivers looked at areas of importance (e.g., the bike lanes, sidewalks and crosswalks). Drivers were also asked how often the failed to notice pedestrians or almost hit cyclists.

11 of the 19 participants failed to check for cyclists in at least one of the turns. Some drivers (4 drivers for Turn 1, and 2 drivers for Turn 2) failed to look at the bike lane at all. Turn 2 required an over the shoulder check, but 7 drivers failed to do so.

In my opinion, this research shows that campaigns telling cyclists to make eye contact with drivers are inherently flawed. It's impossible to make eye contact with someone who isn't looking for you.