Cycling renaissance: The VR potential in exploring static and moving environment elements

Although cycling attracts increasing attention being an active and healthy way of transport, understanding the determinants of cycling experience is still a challenge. The current study addressed this challenge by exploring how various parameters (i.e. static and moving elements) of the environment influence cycling experience in a simulated Virtual Reality (VR) world. Different scenarios were created mirroring the streetscape of a real Dutch city. The scenarios were designed in such a way that we have a full crossing of the manipulated factors, namely, static (bicycle path presence, crossroad presence) and moving elements (cars, pedestrians, other cyclists intensity). After having a bike ride, participants had to provide their evaluation on the just experienced environment, in terms of safety and enjoyment perception. Naturalness, presence, engagement and liking of the VR environment were also addressed.The results are clear in showing that safety perception depends on whether bicycle path and crossroads are present. Enjoyment however did not show statistical differences in respect to the above factors. Concerning moving elements, car intensity influenced both, safety and enjoyment perception. Current results are discussed in line with the existing theories on cycling experience. We further focus attention at how well-known VR applications might enhance experience and thus opening avenues to appropriately investigate everyday context scenarios, outside research laboratories and specialist environments.