Learning material and output of co-creation activities

WP1 | Protection principles and solutions design of the SOTERIA project provides the contextual 
framework that enables a common understanding and supports the requirements acquisition and 
specification process to integrate the transport safety and technological aspects of the project.
This technical report, which is the third of WP1 deliverable submissions, describesthe co-creation 
activities across the four Living Labs and the learning materials created (to date) to improve micromobility and vulnerable road user (VRU) safety. The report comprises seven chapters, which 
demonstrate the collective evidence of WP1 activities and findings towards the learning and cocreation across the Living Labs in Germany, Greece, Spain and the United Kingdom.
After the introductory Chapter 1, Chapter 2 draws on a range of literature information to provide 
an overview of existing background evidence about the use of Living Labs and the role of cocreation. Next, Chapter 3 explores the feedback (qualitative data) comments of micro-mobility 
and VRU stakeholders towards the co-creation, design and implementation road safety solutions, 
including possible technology-informed ideas. Then, Chapter 4 shares the opinions (quantitative 
data) of micro-mobility and VRU stakeholders towards the uptake of specific technology-informed 
road safety solutions and the features and functions they would prefer to be seen incorporated 
into the design of these technologies. Next, Chapter 5t reveals virtual reality accident scenarios, 
which were presented to schoolchildren, and the users reported their experiences. In Chapter 6, 
a road safety camera system is described which has been created for use by cyclists. This has been 
tested by stakeholders who have proffer feedback for its improvement through a co-creation 
process. Finally, Chapter 7 closes the report by drawing together the summaries of all the chapters 
to create a list of recommendations.
Co-creation is fundamental to the delivery and success of the SOTERIA project. This drives 
stakeholder engagement and the activities of the Living Labs. Underpinned by various 
philosophies and methodologies, a mixed range of investigative methods have been adopted to 
collect both qualitative and quantitative data from a wide variety of stakeholder groups located 
across four Living Lab. Analysis of the qualitative data has recognised a desire for technological 
assistance, advocating for the integration of advanced systems to provide real-time warnings and 
improve communication between road users. Further, the importance of pedestrian-friendly 
infrastructure and well-designed crossings are highlighted to mitigate risks, alongside responsible 
conduct and mutual respect among all road users. Analysis of the quantitative data has shown a 
strong interest in the creation of the SOTERIA Safe and Clean Routing App. However, the 
stakeholders have given clear guidance on their preferred features and functions. There is clear
support for a pre-journey planning function, express routes away from fast moving vehicles, 
ideally along designated pedestrian, cycle or bridleways and/or through/near green infrastructure 
(e.g. public parks) or alongside waterways (e.g. rivers, canals); whilst there is less support for injourney pop-up notifications, safety-related audible notifications and post-journey statistics or 
feedback options. Besides these findings, survey feedback from school children (representing 
cyclists and pedestrians) about their virtual reality experiences suggests the majority have
indicated that this engagement has influenced their own attitudes and behaviours towards road 
safety and, as such, should help reduce accidents involving these stakeholders. Other findings, 
using an action research strategy of two-way dialogue, has highlighted issues in terms of the 
design, use, performance and longevity of a bicycle handlebar-mounted road safety camera 
system developed by SOTERIA partners.
Based on evidence presented in the various chapters, several recommendations are proposed at 
the close of this report. These include the following:
▪ Since micro-mobility and VRUs have advocated for a holistic approach to road safety that 
addresses technological, infrastructural, regulatory and environmental issues. It is 
recommended that these benchmarking factors are, where possible, used to navigate the 
technical work carried out in the SOTERIA project.
▪ Since stakeholders have also given a clear steer on the design of the SOTERIA app. It is 
proposed that the insights assembled from participants are carefully considered when 
constructing the features and functions of the road-safety app.
▪ As technology-driven solutions are a preferred way forward for the stakeholders, it is 
recommended that the SOTERIA project continues to adopt a co-creation process across
the Living Labs and further utilise those stakeholders already engaged with the project for 
any future trials and testing to evaluate SOTERIA’s road safety solutions, particularly as 
their feedback could enhance their performance and, ultimately, the potential market 
uptake so accidents involving micro-mobility and VRUs may cease.