Tactile and auditory cross-modal feedback for cyclists under real-world riding conditions

In recent years, the use of bicycles has been increasing due to growing environmental awareness and health consciousness. Alongside this trend, the need to provide appropriate information to cyclists has become more important, and improving cycling safety has emerged as an urgent issue. This study investigates the effectiveness of a cyclist support method that employs cross-modal feedback combining auditory and tactile stimuli. In the experiment, participants rode bicycles on actual roads while performing a cross-modalreaction task under noisy environmental conditions, during which auditory and tactile signals were presented in combination. Reaction time, recognition accuracy, subjective evaluations, and physiological responses were measured under each stimulus condition to evaluate the effects of cross-modal presentation. Additionally, an analysis was conducted to determine optimal parameters for signal presentation. The results showed that cross-modal feedback contributed to shorter reaction times, and the stimuli were perceived as more easily recognizable and more urgent. These findings suggest that signal design adapted to environmental noise conditions, when combined with cross-modal feedback, may be effective in enhancing cyclists’ perception and improving their safety.