In Brief

The Challenge

“Transforming how we travel”, i.e. a modal shift to sustainable transport, is one of six vital high impact sectors listed in the Irish government’s Climate Action Plan 2023. A modal shift to increase cycling, which is a form of active and sustainable travel, is important not just for the green transition, but also for the health, sustainability and liveability of urban and rural communities in Ireland. However, suitable cycling infrastructure is needed to support more cycling journeys. This is especially important for school routes, as research suggests that cycling to school may lead to a lifelong behavioural routine. One of the major factors determining a modal shift to cycling is perceived road safety, but the perceived safety of specific cycling infrastructure is often unknown. 

The Solution

The aim of the SHIFT project is to measure moments of stress in cyclists to provide insights on the impact of cycling infrastructure and traffic on perceived road safety.  

Recent advances in wearable technologies allow a number of physiological biomarkers of stress to be measured continuously. These biomarkers can be used to identify moments of stress, which can be correlated to the location and surroundings of an individual during a cycling trip.  

The Team

The Team

  • Team Lead: Dr Anna Molter, University College Dublin 
  • Team Co-Lead: Prof. Brian Caulfield, University College Dublin

Societal Impact Champion

  • Ciarán Ferrie, I Bike Dublin