Abstract

As electric bicycles become faster and more prevalent in urban environments, the safety systems designed to protect riders face significant challenges. The current industry standard relies heavily on auditory warnings—which can exclude Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) cyclists—and digital dashboards that often demand intense visual focus. Forcing a rider to process cluttered screen data while navigating high-speed traffic can contribute to cognitive overload and physical danger. This thesis explores how micro-mobility safety might be improved by shifting away from auditory-dependent alerts toward intuitive, multi-sensory communication. To address this safety gap, this project introduces the Assistive Active Safety (AAS) framework. AAS has the potential to function as a background AI assistant that continuously monitors rear-approaching traffic, translating environmental hazards into immediate physical and visual feedback. Rather than sounding an alarm, AAS delivers a tactile "tap on the shoulder" through intelligent handlebar vibrations. This aims to allow riders to physically feel the urgency of a threat without removing their hands from the grips or their eyes from the road. Simultaneously, a minimalist digital display utilizes Universal Traffic Symbols and stark color states (Move, Slow, Stop) to provide visual confirmation of the hazard. By substituting auditory reliance with a synchronized tactile-visual interface, AAS aims to reduce visual distraction and suggests a new direction for micro-mobility UI/UX. Ultimately, Assistive Active Safety explores how every cyclist, regardless of hearing ability, can be empowered to navigate the city with greater certainty and safety.

Publication Date

6-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Visual Communication Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Visual Communications Studies

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Dan Deluna

Advisor/Committee Member

Adam Smith

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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