A recent study by the University Gustave Eiffel in France sheds light on the complex social dynamics between different road users and their impact on road behaviour. The research, led by Clement F.A. Andrieu, examines how drivers, cyclists and pedestrians perceive each other and what behavioural intentions they have towards the other groups. The results show that the chosen mode of transport acts as an important social marker that shapes group identity and influences behaviour in traffic. "This study examines social judgements among road users by focusing on how drivers, cyclists and pedestrians perceive both their own group and others based on their mode of transport," the researchers explain in their publication. The study is based on the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) and the Behaviour from Intergroup Affect and Stereotype (BIAS) Map, two established social psychological models that have not yet been applied in traffic psychology.
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Strong group identity for vulnerable road users
The study with a total of 375 participants (124 motorists, 114 cyclists and 137 pedestrians) revealed clear differences in perception between the various groups. It is particularly striking that vulnerable road users - cyclists and pedestrians - show a strong favouritism towards their own group. They rate members of their own group more positively in terms of warmth and competence, feel more admiration for them and show stronger intentions to help them. "Vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians) demonstrate strong in-group favouritism, in contrast to car drivers," the researchers said. These findings support previous research suggesting that cyclists form a cohesive social group, often driven by shared values regarding the environmental and health benefits of cycling as well as a collective sense of vulnerability resulting from interactions with motorists.
Study finds surprising results among car drivers
Contrary to the researchers' expectations, drivers did not show any favouritism towards their own group. Instead, they rated their own group more critically than other road users. "Drivers perceived their own group more negatively than others, both in terms of stereotype content, emotions and behavioural intentions," the researchers report. One possible explanation for this could be that car drivers represent a broader and more diverse social group that includes various subgroups, which leads to a weaker sense of belonging to a group.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
