Cycling Safe and Sound

Cycling safety is a major traffic safety issue both in the Netherlands and abroad. The number of cyclist fatalities in the EU has been decreasing in recent years, however at a slower rate than those of car occupants or pedestrians. One of the factors negatively influencing cycling safety may be related to limitations on availability of auditory cues. Auditory cues, such as tire and engine noises can provide important information about the presence and location of approaching traffic. Recently two trends have raised concerns about the use of auditory cues by cyclists. One is the growing popularity of electronic devices, mainly mobile phones, which are used by cyclists to listen to music or to have a conversation. The other trend concerns the increasing number of (hybrid) electric cars, which are generally quieter than conventional cars. This thesis addresses the concerns regarding these two trends.