Using virtual environments to gain a better understanding about how to create safe and attractive environments to walk or cycle for transport.

Worldwide, strategies are being adopted to facilitate safe and sustainable transport solutions

encouraging active transport (i.e. walking/cycling to go from place to place). However, there is a

lack of evidence-based research about which specific street characteristics are important to

generate safe and attractive environments.

The primary aim of the project is to identify critical environmental street characteristics

influencing the safety and appeal for active transport by manipulations of virtual reality 3D

walk/cycle through environments. The current research project uses an innovative cost-effective

experimental approach, in order to give ready-made advice to local or regional authorities for the

development of walk and cycle friendly environments.

We will conduct experimental studies to determine which environmental manipulations are

essential to create (1) safe and (2) attractive environments for walking and cycling for transport

among children and older adults based on quantitative, qualitative and objective eye tracking data.

The results of this project will provide valuable insights into the potential contribution of virtual 3D

visualization to urban planning projects.