Exploring safer cycling through augmented reality: the CycleAR project

Researchers within the Department of Systems and Control Engineering at the University of Malta are developing CycleAR, a project that explores how augmented reality (AR) and immersive simulation technologies may contribute towards safer and more accessible cycling experiences.

The project investigates the creation of an AR-based cycling simulator capable of reconstructing realistic urban cycling environments from real-world video footage. Unlike many traditional cycling simulators that rely on artificial or game-like scenes, CycleAR focuses on recreating authentic road environments, with particular emphasis on Maltese roads and traffic conditions.

By combining techniques from computer vision, image processing, and immersive visualisation, the project aims to allow cyclists to experience realistic traffic scenarios within a safe and controlled virtual environment. The research will also explore how fragmented video recordings can be combined into continuous navigable routes and reconstructed into immersive three-dimensional scenes.

As a proof-of-concept, a regular bicycle has been converted into a static training bicycle that allows the cyclist’s pedalling speed to control movement through the virtual environment. Current work is also focusing on improving the smoothness and realism of the immersive experience.

The project is now entering a new phase in which reconstructed environments will be integrated within the Department’s immersive CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) system, opening new possibilities for cyclist-perspective simulation and interactive experimentation.

Beyond its technical goals, CycleAR highlights the wider potential of augmented reality technologies in areas such as road safety research, urban mobility, active transport promotion, and behavioural studies.

The project is funded by Xjenza Malta through research project REP-2025-027 and is being carried out by Prof. Alexandra Bonnici, Prof. Ing. Kenneth Camilleri, Dr Ing. Stefania Cristina, and Research Support Officer Mr Samwel Portelli.