Technological perception on autonomous vehicles: perspectives of the non-motorists

This study investigated a less explored autonomous vehicle (AV) related topic (non-motorists and AVs) through the following two research questions: (1) Does the perception towards AVs differ in non-motorists based on stakeholder nature? and (2) Does prior interaction with AVs alter perception on AVs? The present study examined survey data collected by BikePGH in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This study used multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to identify the response patterns of participants and sort the responses into several clusters. The results show that perception measures vary among participants based on the nature of the stakeholder. The reception of AVs among the participants was mixed. The results also show that participants with real AV interactions have higher expectations and interest in AVs than the participants with no experience. Additionally, the findings show that participants who see no safety potentials for AVs are also against using Pittsburgh as an AV proving ground. It is anticipated that the results will help in improving the strategic management of AVs to make non-motorist mobility safer.