About ComCy

How can we make more people choose bicycles, even outside the city? That’s the starting point for the new project ComCy, which aims to make rural roads more attractive and accessible for cyclists. One focus is on car drivers’ emotions, attitudes, and behaviours, as their actions in traffic strongly influence how safe and comfortable it feels to cycle.

While the project mainly concerns cycling, much of its content is also relevant to other forms of active travel, such as walking, running, (e-)scootering, roller skiing, inline skating, or horseback riding.

“We’re currently exploring which measures can make a real difference – and how to evaluate their effects effectively. But first, we need a clearer picture of the current conditions on our rural roads. This is largely lacking today, so we’re starting by establishing a baseline for future comparisons,” says Katja Kircher, research leader at VTI and project coordinator.

The project builds on analysis and idea development from the program’s first phase, which, among other outcomes, produced the report Removing barriers to cycling on rural roads. It highlights how passing cyclists can be done in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

“A more bicycle-friendly transport system not only benefits health and the environment. It’s also a matter of equity – ensuring that everyone, no matter their mode of transport, can move through traffic in a safe and secure way,” says Katja Kircher.