The Influence of Noise, Vibration, Cycle Paths, and Period of Day on Stress Experienced by Cyclists

Abstract

Urban and transport planners need to assess the stressful conditions experienced by cyclists, considering that highly stressful situations can discourage people from cycling as a transport mode. Therefore, this study has two objectives: (1) to present a method for monitoring stress and other environmental factors along cycling routes using smart sensors; and (2) to analyze the influence of noise, vibration, presence of cycle paths, and the period of the day on stress experienced by cyclists. Data were collected in the city of São Carlos, Brazil, using stress and noise sensors, accelerometers, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Primarily, heat maps generated from the data made it possible to identify critical points of stress along the routes. In addition, the results of a logistic regression model were analyzed to identify the influence of the studied variables on stress. Although high levels of noise increased the odds of experiencing stress by 4%, very uncomfortable vibrations increased the odds by 14%, and the presence of cycle paths reduced the odds by 8%, an analysis of p-values and odds ratio confidence intervals shows, with a 95% confidence level, that only the period of the day influenced stress, as confirmed by the data. In this case, the odds of having stress increased by 24% in the afternoon rush hour compared to the morning rush hour.

Does cycling infrastructure reduce stress biomarkers in commuting cyclists? A comparison of five European cities

“…Concerning noise, Nuñez et al (2018) have shown that high noise levels were associated with a higher likelihood of a stressful event while cycling. The literature also described other possible adverse effects of road traffic noise on human health, such as irritation and annoyance, cardiovascular disease, risk of stroke, diabetes, hypertension and loss of hearing (Singh et al, 2018).…”

“…To assess the stress levels, we used an experimental Smartband. This Smartband collects skin conductivity and skin temperature data at a sampling rate of 10 Hz and has already been used in other studies with cyclists (Nuñez et al, 2018;Zeile et al, 2016). Electrodermal response activity, based on galvanic skin response, measures changes in the conductivity and temperature of the skin and monitors responses to certain physiological emotions (Caviedes et al, 2017).…”

“…Wang et al, 2016). Even fewer have questioned whether there is any relationship between environmental factors and stress, using physiological signals (Fitch et al, 2017;Kyriakou et al, 2019;Nuñez et al, 2018).…”

Effects of Perceived Traffic Risks, Noise, and Exhaust Smells on Bicyclist Behaviour: An Economic Evaluation

“…When pedestrians and bicyclists travel on or near roads with heavy motor vehicle traffic, or want to cross such roads, they are exposed to various negative externalities, including exposure to accident risk, noise, and air pollution [9,10]. These impacts can be significant.…”

“…Noise causes stress reactions that are linked to tinnitus, mood changes, chronic sleep disturbance, lack of recovery from tiredness, nervousness, and anxiety [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Various studies have shown that cyclists are exposed to high levels of traffic noise [26], which results in higher stress levels [9]. Noise is thus an annoyance for cyclists [27], as well as a potential health risk.…”