How people with low vision cycle safely

In the Netherlands, the ability to cycle safely and responsibly is important for independent mobility across the lifespan. In addition, cycling can be important in maintaining physical health. But when can a visually challenged person use a bicycle safely? Opinions vary, but there are no reliable - let alone evidence-based - guidelines.‘Safe Cycling’ is a research collaboration between the University of Groningen and two expertise centres for blind and partially sighted people; Royal Dutch Visio and Bartiméus. This project is aimed at providing an overview of cycling behaviour of visually impaired individuals. In that way, more scientific backing can be given for determining whether it is safe and responsible for them to (learn how to) cycle.Firstly, essential factors that determine whether it is safe for a visually impaired person to cycle independently will be investigated through (online) questionnaires. Secondly, observing real world cycling behaviour will serve to explore how visually challenged cyclists compensate for loss of visual acuity or a reduced visual field. Finally, the cycling behaviour of visually challenged cyclists (65-75 years) on a regular bicycle and an E-bike will be compared.