On Optimizing Driving Patterns of Autonomous Cargo Bikes as a Function of Distance and Speed—A Psychological Study

It is predicted that the number of autonomous vehicles will increase in the forthcoming years. In this context, this research deals with autonomous micro-mobiles, specifically autonomous cargo bikes. In the development of (partially) autonomous vehicles, it is important to consider the safety perspective of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, already during development to enhance acceptance and widespread use. We investigated the safety parameters of speed and distance. For this purpose, videos with varying distance and speed parameters were filmed from a third-person perspective. These were then distributed via online questionnaires and evaluated by subjects regarding the subjective perceived safety. The results show that perceived safety increases with increasing passing and yielding distance and decreasing passing speed. Even at very short distances and relatively high speeds, the behavior of the cargo bike was still considered safe. These results can serve as reference values in the development of autonomous micro-mobiles. Further, the high safety perception should encourage planners and decisionmakers to give these technologies a chance and boldly tackle the mobility revolution and test possible substitutes for motorized individual transport.