The absence of a human driver creates novel challenges for fully automated public transport. Passengers are likely to have different expectations, needs, or even fears when traveling without a driver in potentially dangerous situations. We present the results from two field studies in which we explored incident management in a driverless shuttle bus. We explored participant’s behavior and willingness to assist in solving problems in a variety of scenarios where the bus suddenly stops for technical reasons or a hypothesized situation of harassment. In a follow-up study, we focused on auditory remote assistance and investigated problem solving through the passengers. We found that diffusion of responsibility is an existent barrier, when passengers are involved in the resolving of potentially dangerous situations. It can be overcome, when incident-relevant instructions are designed explicitly, briefly, timely, distinguishable from regular on-trip information, and address auditory and visual sensory channels alike.

Cycling mobility contributes to better livability in cites, helps societies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their dependency on fossil fuels, and shows positive health effects. However, unattractive conditions, primarily inadequate infrastructure, hinder the further growth of cycling mobility. As interactions of cyclists with the (built) environment are complex, assessing potential impacts of an intervention aimed at improving physical conditions is not trivial. Despite a growing body of literature on various facets of cycling mobility, assessments are widely limited to a single method and thereby either focus on one detailed aspect or on one perspective. While multi-method and mixed methods studies are emerging, they are not embedded into a structured, integrated framework for assessing systemic effects of interventions yet. Therefore, we propose a conceptual integration of several relevant methods such as questionnaires, interviews, GIS analyses and human sensing. In this paper, we present a generic, extensible framework that offers guidance for developing and implementing case-specific mixed methods designs for multifaceted assessments of interventions. The framework supports domain experts and researchers across different stages of conducting a study. Results from this research further indicate the added value of mixed methods studies compared to single-method approaches.

Research on the acceptability of assistive systems for improving the safety of powered two‐wheelers (PTWs) is a pressing issue. The use of safety‐enhancing assistive systems for motorised vehicles, including advanced driver assistance systems and in‐vehicle information systems is widespread in many countries. Yet, there is only a limited number of equivalent intelligent transport systems (ITS) for PTWs, namely advanced rider assistance systems and on‐bike information systems. This study describes the methodological development of a specific tool for assessing motorcyclists’ acceptability of ITS, as part of the motorcyclists’ profiling questionnaire (MOPROQ). There were three stages of development. First, a literature review was undertaken to assess the current state of the art regarding ITS for PTWs and to determine the most relevant facets of acceptability that should be measured. Second, a series of focus group interviews were conducted to explore riders’ attitudes towards ITS. Finally, the focus group results were used to develop a large‐scale survey (MOPROQ), which was administered to an initial sample of over 6000 riders internationally. The designed tool can be used as a basis for the determination of rider acceptability of ITS systems in the future.

Behavior change apps are widespread, but the scientific base of the app-concept is rarely disclosed. The aim of this article is to present the methodological approach used for the development of a so-called “fitness feedback demonstrator” within an already existing journey planner web app to motivate people to increase their physical activity behavior while using public transport. Firstly, we introduce the behavior change theories applied for the design of the feedback, followed by the analysis of focus-group discussions about the desired content of the fitness feedback. Secondly, we describe how we conducted a field test to measure the number of steps taken when using public transport. Finally, we used the feedback from potential users in terms of design/attractiveness and comprehensibility of the added fitness information. The “fitness feedback demonstrator” is a good practical example of how to make use of the different research expertise to develop a theory-based tool to encourage persons to integrate physical activity into their daily routines.

“GI_Forum” publishes high quality original research across the transdisciplinary field of Geographic Information Science (GIScience). The journal provides a platform for dialogue among GI-Scientists and educators, technologists, and critical thinkers in an ongoing effort to advance the field and ultimately contribute to the creation of an informed GISociety. Submissions concentrate on innovation in education, science, methodology and technologies in the spatial domain. “GI_Forum” implements the policy of open access publication (CC-BY-ND-License) after a double-blind peer review process through a highly international team of established scientists for quality assurance. Special emphasis is put on actively supporting young scientists through formative reviews of their submissions. The 2022-2 Issue comprises work of researchers from different disciplines, some of whom presented their work at the GI_Salzburg 2022 conference (https://gi-salzburg.org/en/). The articles address aspects of modelling, sustainability, and SDGs in the context of Smart Cities, especially urban expansion, mobility, aging society, green spaces, and discuss methods for georeferencing linear and non-linear media content as well as the state of trajectory visualization in Notebook environments.

How do people look at sites and places and perceive details? Studies are referred dealing with the looking behaviour of cyclists, under the assumption that the method used could also be applied for assessing looking behaviour of tourists and to learn more about risks for cyclists. In the frame of a naturalistic cycling study in Austria, among others, a method should be developed that would help to find out where bicyclists direct their visual attention on their ways. Use was made of mobile eye tracking glasses. Results will be shown of the development work that demonstrate that points of interest can be identified via the detection of gaze plots of samples of cyclists. No technology helps to register what is perceived by peripheral vision which would give a more complete picture of reality. Any technological method that today registers where cyclists, or customers, or visitors direct their attention to has to be completed with verbal data from interviews, questionnaires, etc. in order to assure themselves of what really has been perceived.