Perceptions of vulnerable roadway users on autonomous vehicle regulations.

INTRODUCTION: Development and implementation of autonomous vehicle (AV) related regulations are necessary to ensure safe AV deployment and wide acceptance among all roadway users. Assessment of vulnerable roadway users' perceptions on AV regulations could inform policymakers the development of appropriate AV regulations that facilitate the safety of diverse users in a multimodal transportation system. METHOD: This research evaluated pedestrians' and bicyclists' perceptions on six AV regulations (i.e., capping AV speed limit, operating AV in manual mode in the sensitive areas, having both pilot and co-pilot while operating AVs, and three data-sharing regulations). In addition, pedestrians' and bicyclists' perceptions of testing AVs in public streets were evaluated. Statistical testing and modeling techniques were applied to accomplish the research objectives. RESULTS: Compared to the other AV regulations assessed in this research, strong support for AV-related data sharing regulations was identified. Older respondents showed higher approval of AV testing on public roadways and less support for regulating AVs. AV technology familiarity and safe road sharing perceptions with AVs resulted in lower support for AV regulations. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers and AV technology developers could develop effective educational tools/resources to inform pedestrians and bicyclists about AV technology reliability and soften their stance, especially on AV regulations, which could delay technology development. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The findings of this research could be used to develop informed AV regulations and develop policies that could improve pedestrians' and bicyclists' attitudes/perceptions on regulating AVs and promoting AV technology deployments.

Factors influencing safety perceptions of sharing roadways with autonomous vehicles among vulnerable roadway users.

INTRODUCTION: The operation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roadways affects the safety of vulnerable roadway users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists. This research contributes to the literature by investigating vulnerable roadway users' safety perceptions on road sharing with AVs. METHOD: This study analyzed the survey responses of pedestrians and bicyclists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, collected by Bike Pittsburgh (Bike PGH) in 2017 and 2019. First, this study investigates how pedestrians and bicyclists perceive safety regarding road sharing with AVs. Second, the study examines how the safety perceptions of pedestrians and bicyclists regarding AVs might be changing over time. Non-parametric tests were applied to compare the safety perceptions of pedestrians and bicyclists across different characteristics, experiences, and attitudes, considering the ordinal nature of the AV safety perception data. An ordered probit model was estimated to better understand the factors influencing safety perceptions regarding road sharing with AVs. RESULTS: The study findings suggest that higher exposures to AVs are associated with improved safety perceptions. In addition, respondents with a stricter attitude toward AV regulations perceive road sharing with AVs as less safe. Respondents whose opinion regarding AVs did not worsen due to the pedestrian/bicyclist involved AV accident in Arizona have higher safety perceptions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Policymakers can use the findings of this study in developing guidelines to ensure safe road sharing and develop strategies to sustain active transportation usage in the future AV era.