Developing a hybrid twin cycling safety interaction model in a naturalistic environment

Presently there is a need to improve cycling safety, as this will make it a more attractive mode of travel. For this it is paramount to develop an in-depth understanding of interactions between cyclists, motor vehicles, pedestrians, and road infrastructure. Understanding these interactions in a naturalistic environment—where behaviour is observed in real-life, uncontrolled conditions—is crucial for developing effective safety interventions. This will help better understand cyclists behaviour, design the infrastructure, and perform real time mode choice modelling based upon safety criterions. Such work has extra impetus, as we move to a semi-autonomous, and autonomous transportation infrastructure. As we move towards automation, cyclists maybe the only transport mode associated with human vulnerabilities. This research proposal aims to develop a comprehensive interaction model (hybrid twin) for cyclist safety by studying real-world behaviours and interactions in a naturalistic setting. This research will aim to bridge this gap by integrating naturalistic data with advanced modelling techniques. The primary objectives of this research are: 

1. To identify key interaction patterns between cyclists, motor vehicles, pedestrians, and road infrastructure in naturalistic environments (Pervasive control, Time to Conflict, Post encroachment time)
2. Develop a Hybrid twin model, that can predict the interaction between cyclist and a) Infrastructure, and b) Other Road users in real time
3. Construct a base file (Abacus of possible solutions) recommendations for urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to enhance cyclist safety based on model outcomes.
4. Methodology : a) Review of Literature, b) Data Collection: Instrumented bicycles equipped with GPS, cameras, and sensors to capture real-time interactions; Surveys and Interviews; Road Congestion Data, Traffic patterns, Weather, and infrastructure data, c) Development of a hybrid twin: Interaction Analysis, Model Development: Machine learning algorithms/ toolkits, Model order reduction toolkits. The model will be trained on the naturalistic data and validated and tested accordingly, and Simulation Analysis.
5. Expected Outcomes: a) Cyclist Naturalistic Hybrid Twin model, b) Safety Recommendations, c) Enhanced Safety Protocols

This research will contribute to the body of knowledge on cyclist safety by providing a detailed understanding of real-world interactions in naturalistic settings. The final hybrid twin will be a valuable tool for cyclists infrastructure design, modelling and developing interaction codes for autonomous vehicles / infrastructure. Such work is essential to achieve sustainability in transportation and is in line with UN SDG’s, global climate emergency, and regional as well as national targets. Scotland aims to reduce 20% car travel by 2030. 

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Transportation, Mathematical Modelling, Geography 

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Faheem Ahmed Malik (f.malik@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email SCEBERDL@napier.ac.uk.

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here. To be considered, the application must use:

• the advertised title as project title

Download a copy of the project details here