Citation

Gårder P. Transp. Res. Rec. 1994; 1438: 34-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

In the United States, little thought has traditionally been given to bicyclists in the design of roadways. Measures to improve bicycle safety should be introduced where they give optimal effect. It is therefore important to know where the problems are the greatest. In total, over 2,000 police-reported bicycle accidents were analyzed. A limited number of hospital-reported accidents were also included. An analysis shows that of 44 patients admitted and treated for major trauma caused by bicycle accidents, only 6 (14%) showed up in the police statistics. The vehicle driver involved in a bicycle accident most commonly has not violated any formal highway law, whereas the bicyclist commonly has. There are many reasons for this: lack of knowledge, youth and inexperience, and disrespect for regulations. Bicyclist training and information could influence a high percentage of the accidents (up to 80%). Vehicle drivers also need education. Being within the highway code is not always enough to avoid an accident. Nine out of 12 fatal bicycle accidents in Maine during 1988-1991 were caused by collisions with automobiles. Separating bikes and cars from one another is a possible option. Mixed environments can also be made safer, for example, by reducing speed limits or modifying intersections to make them safer for bicyclists. The influence of physical measures is hard to evaluate conclusively because of lacking exposure data. Fatalities are typically caused by head injuries. Increased use of helmets should therefore be a primary short-term safety goal.

Language: en