What does it Take to Test a Bicycle Simulator for Realism? A Discussion of the Challenges and Possible Evaluation Methods

In recent years, bicycle simulators have become increasingly important as a research tool, resulting in a large number of new prototypes at various academic institutions. In order for the results of studies to be transferred from a simulator to reality, it is necessary to ensure that simulators reproduce realistic traffic behaviour. Most bicycle simulators are evaluated using cycling parameters. However, the (combined) use of other methods is necessary to ensure realism. In this paper we present a variety of evaluation methods and discuss why we consider them relevant for evaluating the realism. We present the challenges and potential and the study design of our current study comparing cycling behaviour in reality and in simulation. Our study design should serve as a reference for other researchers and facilitate their own research. This paper contributes to the motivation of new and future work in the still young field of cycling simulation.