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Visualisation of the exposure of cyclists to traffic on roads

Objective

The still growing urban traffic intensity in many European cities strongly stimulates bicycling as alternative way of transportation. In its own, bicycling is considered relatively fast, cheap, healthy and good for the environment. Unfortunately it can also be unhealthy as cyclists often suffer from intense exposure to traffic exhaust. However, the actual exposure level of the cyclist is not explicitly documented (the average air-concentration serves as indication) and communication about the hazards involved is limited. As a consequence, cyclist interest groups have a hard time pressing policy makers to take measures to reduce the exposure. VECTOR (Visualisation of the Exposure of Cyclists in Traffic on Roads) will improve this situation by assessing the actual exposure of cyclists throughout Europe (i.e. in NL, DE, HU and LT) and by using combined analysis/video-recording measurements to improve the awareness raising potential of the data. VECTOR will assess the exposure of cyclist by studying the fine particle air-concentration (PMx) at the position of the cyclist on its bicycle. Hereby, a so-called ?measurement bike? is used that was specially developed for such a purpose in a previous initiative by the Dutch Cyclists Association (the Fietsersbond). Combined with the state-of-the-art ?real time visualisation? (RTV) experience of the Kooperationsstelle (Germany), actual exposure videos will be made on the exposure in various traffic situations. These will subsequently be used to inform (local) authorities, cyclist interest groups and other stakeholders about the risks of exposure of cyclists to traffic exhaust. Especially also spreading knowledge about RTV as a tool to communicate science to society is an interesting added value of VECTOR. Close collaboration between the Vector consortium and universities will be realised by setting up a Virtual University in which an interdisciplinary student team will cooperate with social groups.

Call for proposal

FP6-2005-SCIENCE-AND-SOCIETY-20
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Coordinator

IVAM RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY ON SUSTAINABILITY
EU contribution
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Address
Roetersstaat 33
18180 AMSTERDAM
Netherlands

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Participants (5)