TRAVL showcases virtual reality applications for vulnerable road user safety in Washington, D.C.
Road simulation
Published January 12, 2026
Dr. Austin Angulo, associate professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering (CSEE), along with Dylan Leddy, a student researcher in CSEE, and Ye Wang, PhD candidate in CSEE, led presentations that demonstrated how cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technologies are transforming the study of vulnerable road user safety.
From January 11-12, 2026, CSEE presented two research posters titled “Virtual Simulation and Its Role in Understanding Vulnerable Road User Safety” and “A Cyclist-centric Evaluation of Bicycle Facility Design in Temporary Work Zones” at the annual Transportation Research Board (TRB) meeting in Washington, D.C. The work highlighted innovative approaches to examining pedestrian and cyclist safety through immersive virtual environments.
Cyclist simulation
These presentations showcased immersive simulation methods that allow researchers to analyze real-world hazards without exposing participants to real-world risk, offering a powerful lens into the experiences of pedestrians, cyclists, and other at-risk travelers. With support from the Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation and Logistics, the research was developed through the Transportation Research and Visualization Laboratory.
Attendees learned how VR can enable precise measurements of behavior, attention, and decision-making in complex traffic environments, helping identify contributing factors to near-misses and crashes.
The 105th annual TRB meeting will conclude on January 15th, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The TRB provides leadership in transportation improvements and innovation. Attendees are welcome to join and learn about the improvements and innovative designs in store for the future of transportation engineering.
