Cycling under stress: Analysing the impact of sociodemographic and psychological factors on cyclists’ perceived safety: A German example

This study investigates factors influencing cyclists’ perceived safety utilizing the EmoCycling methodology to identify ’Moments of Stress’ (MOS). The research collects physiological data from 143 participants across three German cities (Herrenberg, Ludwigsburg, and Osnabrück) between 2022 and 2024, with 90 observations ultimately included in the statistical analysis. Participants are equipped with empatica E4 wristbands measuring electrodermal activity and skin temperature during cycling activities. Logistic regression analysis examines relationships between MOS and Geller’s cyclist typology, psychological traits, and sociodemographic variables.
Results indicate that age is the sole significant predictor of elevated MOS, with participants aged 50 years or older demonstrating 3.54 times higher odds of experiencing physiological stress responses while cycling (p < 0.05). Contrary to hypothesized relationships, the categorization of cyclist typology, personality traits, and gender variables do not yield statistically significant associations with stress levels.
These findings suggest that age-related factors may outweigh other variables in determining the physiological stress response during cycling activities. ... mehrThis exploratory study provides initial evidence on cyclists’ physiological stress responses and their correlation with age-related factors, establishing a foundation for subsequent investigations into the complex interactions that affect cyclists’ stress experiences in urban environments.