FHNW - Study Proves: Digital Bicycle Training Works

Over 11,000 people completed the online training ‘Level Up Your Ride’ in 2025. They trained for three weeks in typical traffic situations such as roundabouts, right of way, turning left, or maintaining distance from parked cars.

Acceptance of the Training

After completing the training, participants were asked to give their opinion on ‘Level Up Your Ride.’ The feedback was overwhelmingly positive: 92% would participate again, 79% reported learning something, and 67% felt safer in road traffic.

Field Study Shows Clear Effect

The University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW examined the impact in real traffic through a field study. A total of 60 people rode a roughly four-kilometre test route. The test subjects were accompanied and recorded by camera during the ride to analyse driving and observational behaviour. Three groups were compared: without training, with attendance course, and with online training. Participants were comparably distributed regarding age, gender, and frequency of cycling.

The field study shows:

- The online training improves behaviour in selected traffic situations. Participants of a training correctly position themselves more frequently in roundabouts: 90% position themselves in the middle, compared to 50% in the control group.

- In positioning for lanes, higher proportions of correct behaviour are observed, such as checking the blind spot (60% in online training compared to 38% without training).

- Participants in the online training more often maintain a sufficient distance from parked cars (up to 60% in online training compared to 33% in the control group).

- For other situations, such as turning left or right of way situations, no differences between the groups could be determined. On the one hand, this concerns rather dynamic traffic situations, where correct behaviour depends on the presence of other road users; on the other hand, it is possible that the chosen method for the field study was limited in capturing these competencies.

The results of the field study show that cycling courses – both in-person and digital – can positively influence actual cycling behaviour in certain situations.

FHNW researcher Prof. Dr. Dorothea Schaffner says: ‘We see clear differences in behaviour. Participants are more likely to apply key rules. The training works in everyday life.’ And she adds: ‘Repeated engagement with specific traffic situations makes the difference. This helps the learning stick.’

The result is clear: participants in the online training more often ride safely.

- They more frequently ride in the middle of roundabouts.

- They keep more distance from parked cars.

- They are more likely to check the blind spot.

In checking the blind spot, the proportion rises from 38% without training to 57% with online training. Over 85% of those trained ride in the middle of the roundabout.

Especially less practised cyclists gain in safety and confidence.

Cyclists Want Safety and Enjoyment

Pro Velo receives much positive feedback. Many cyclists refresh their knowledge. They want to navigate traffic safely and relaxed. Project manager Adrian Freiburghaus says: ‘Many cyclists appreciate updating their knowledge. Knowing how to behave correctly in traffic allows for more relaxed and enjoyable riding.’

Digitally Reaching Many

The training runs on smartphones or computers in four languages, reaching people across Switzerland – regardless of location and time. Conceptually, the training was designed by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW (School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics as well as the School of Applied Psychology) in collaboration with Pro Velo Switzerland. Design and development were conducted by Dreipol, with communication by Webrepublic. Level Up Your Ride was funded by the Road Safety Fund (FVS), with scientific supervision financed by the AXA Prevention Foundation.

Contacts

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
School of Applied Psychology
Prof. Dr. Dorothea Schaffner
Institute for Innovation, Transformation and Sustainability
T +41 62 957 27 76
dorothea.schaffner@fhnw.ch

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics
Dr. Michael van Eggermond
Institute of Civil Engineering
+41 61 228 61 82
michael.vaneggermond@fhnw.ch

Pro Velo Switzerland
Adrian Freiburghaus
Project Management Level Up Your Ride
+41 31 318 54 23
adrian.freiburghaus@pro-velo.ch

Concise Information: LEVEL UP YOUR RIDE

LEVEL UP YOUR RIDE is a nationwide, free digital training programme for cyclists and e-bike riders in Switzerland. It imparts essential riding competencies for safe and confident participation in road traffic.

Through interactive modules and gamification elements, key topics such as dealing with blind spots, right of way situations, and roundabouts are taught in a practical manner.

The training was developed by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW (School of Applied Psychology as well as the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics) in collaboration with Pro Velo Switzerland. The city of Zurich participated as a project partner. Level Up Your Ride was funded by the Road Safety Fund (FVS) and scientifically supervised by the AXA Prevention Foundation.

More information at www.fhnw.ch

The School for Applied Psychology FHNW

The School for Applied Psychology FHNW is a leading competence centre for occupational, organisational, and economic psychology in Switzerland and the German-speaking area. It offers around 940 students a demanding and practice-oriented Bachelor’s and Master’s programme. Its continuing education offerings are targeted at leaders and professionals from diverse fields.

The school includes the Institute for Market Offerings and Consumer Decisions, the Institute for Cooperation Research and Development, and the Institute of Humans in Complex Systems. Together with companies, the institutes carry out research and development projects, aiming to utilise professional and scientific psychology for society and the economy, as well as for professional and working environments.

More information at www.fhnw.ch/psychologie

The School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW

The School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW is located in Muttenz. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in energy and environmental technology, architecture, geomatics, and civil engineering. For construction and energy professionals, it enables practice-oriented, work-compatible further education.

More information at www.fhnw.ch/habg

University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW
Dominik Lehmann
Head of Communication FHNW
Bahnhofstrasse 6
5210 Windisch
T +41 56 202 77 28
dominik.lehmann@fhnw.ch
www.fhnw.ch

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: FHNW - Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz