Work Packages

How can we create safer and more respectful encounters between cyclists and motor vehicle drivers on Swedish rural roads? This project explores that question through a series of work packages. By combining a baseline data collection, behavioural studies, and educational interventions, we aim to deepen the understanding of how overtaking cyclists works in practice and how it can be improved.

Our research ranges from large-scale analyses of road user behaviour (WP1) to local experiments with information signs on popular cycling routes (WP2), and targeted educational efforts for both heavy vehicle drivers (WP3) and newly licensed car drivers (WP4). The overarching goal is to promote safer, more considerate road use for everyone.

WP1 – Extension of Knowledge Base

We use various methods to learn more about how drivers of motor vehicles perceive cycling on rural roads, where people typically cycle, and how overtaking is carried out on different types of roads across the country. We also compare the situation in Sweden with that in the United States. The goal is to scale up the results to different geographic regions.

WP2 – Situated Information and Education

This work package focuses on selected sections of national cycling routes where the traffic situation is problematic. We conduct a semi-controlled data collection with different cyclists to investigate whether an information sign explaining how to overtake affects driver behaviour. We also explore what tourists using these routes think about the traffic conditions on various segments.

WP3 – Education: Heavy Vehicle Drivers

We study how drivers of heavy vehicles perceive the overtaking of cyclists. Based on these insights, we develop a training module that emphasises understanding and empathy to promote safe and considerate overtaking.

WP4 – Education: Passenger Car Drivers

Newly licensed passenger car drivers undergo training designed to increase their understanding of the cyclist's experience during overtaking situations. We also examine whether there is a difference depending on whether the driver learned only through private practice or attended a driving school as well.