Naturalistic Data Analysis: Assessing Factors Impacting E-bike Cyclist Safety on Urban Roads

Micro-mobility, particularly cycling, plays a vital role in urban transportation. Despite the advantages of electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and cycling, safety concerns remain a barrier to widespread adoption, specifically in urban traffic. This study builds upon previous in-field experimental research in Oshawa, Canada, to examine factors influencing lateral distance of overtaking motorized vehicles and e-bike cyclist safety and stress levels when sharing roads with vehicles. Participants (n=32) from varying age groups and skill levels underwent a 12 km cycling test, equipped with sensors to monitor vehicle proximity, cyclist dynamics, and physiological responses. Data analysis on overtaking minimum lateral distances revealed that type of vehicles affect the clearance at low speeds (less than 15 kph) and high speeds (20-25 kph). Also, traffic load and proximity of overtaking vehicles correlated with heightened cyclist heart rates at medium speeds (15-20 kph). Furthermore, large vehicles were found to significantly elevate cyclists' heart rates during overtaking maneuvers. This study contributes a framework for integrating smart technologies into urban cycling safety initiatives, leveraging real-time data to enhance situational awareness for both cyclists and drivers, while they share the road. Future research should focus on developing e-bikes safety features and demographic-specific interventions to further mitigate safety risks.