Reported pedestrian and bicyclist comfort with sidewalk autonomous delivery robot interactions

University campuses, characterized by robust walking networks with limited vehicle traffic and a young adult population, have become attractive sites for the deployment of sidewalk autonomous delivery robots (SADRs). Yet, college students are also more likely to adopt active travel modes and introducing SADRs on transport facilities that promote safe walking and bicycling conditions could generate traffic safety concerns. While earlier studies of SADRs have analyzed their market demand and potential as a last-mile delivery option, limited evidence exists regarding the impacts of SADRs on pedestrian and bicyclist travel. This study describes the results of a survey instrument administered to a college population with real-world experience in the adoption of automated food delivery services and interaction with SADRs as active travelers. Findings offer a profile of SADR service users and analysis of their reported comfort sharing facilities with SADRs as pedestrians or bicyclists, collected using a stated choice experiment methodology.