A small group of students at Edinburgh University used Google Glass in a study to gather data about what makes cyclists nervous when they are riding around town. The students are hoping to use the data that they gathered to create mobile apps that will warn cyclists of upcoming dangers and help less-confident cyclists feel less nervous.

During the nine-day study, 15 people were equipped with Google Glass and an electroencephalography headset. An electroencephalography headset is a device that is able to detect stress patterns via the electrical activity in the brain. While equipped with the two devices, each individual was given the task of going on a 15-minute bicycle ride around Inverleith Park, while also taking some busy roads and paths.

While each individual was on their bicycle ride, they vocalized their thoughts, concerns, what they saw and their feelings. Their vocalized thoughts and feelings were recorded via Google Glass, so that the students could analyze them. Apparently, the data that was gathered from the participants will be analyzed pretty soon and it will be presented at a workshop sometime in the next few weeks.

According to Edinburgh News, the study / project has been encouraged by a few groups. Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership (INP), a group that is encouraging more cycling and walking, is one of the groups that is in full support of the study.

Cllr Bagshaw, INP convener, said: “If you are a confident cyclist then you are fine but we need to make sure everyone feels like they can cycle in the city without problems.”

What are your thoughts on this study? Do you think the data that they gathered could be used to create an app that helps nervous cyclists? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section down below!