Bicyclists overestimate their own night-time conspicuity and underestimate the benefits of retroreflective markers on the moveable joints
05th Mar 2013
This experiment quantified bicyclists’ estimates of the distance at which approaching drivers would first recognise them. Published in the journal, Accident Analysis & Prevention, in March 2013, found that bicyclists overestimated their conspicuity compared to previously collected recognition distances and underestimated the conspicuity benefits of retroreflective markings on their ankles and knees. Participants mistakenly judged that a fluorescent vest that did not include retroreflective material would enhance their night-time conspicuity.
The conspicuity of South Australian cyclists: Implications for safety (Australia)
15th Jan 2013
The research report was published by the University of Adelaide's Centre for Automotive Safety in January 2013. The research sought to determine the level of conspicuity of commuting cyclists in the morning and afternoon in Adelaide's CBD. The researchers found that while 38% of observed riders were visible from the front, only 18% were visible from the back, somewhat due to the use of backpacks.
Review of Cycling Safety Policies in the European Union (EU)
09th Jan 2013
In December 2012 the European Transport Safety Council released a report detailing best practices for facilitating cycling on roadways in a variety of European Union cities. It investigates policy, infrastructure, vehicle design and road user behaviour interventions and makes a series of recommendations to the EU and its members states.
Crash Data Analyses for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communications for Safety Applications (USA)
05th Dec 2012
This report, released by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration in November 2012, presents the potential safety benefits of wireless communication between roadway infrastructure and vehicles by identifying the magnitude, characteristics, and cost of crashes that would be targeted.
Long term bicycle related head injury trends for New South Wales following mandatory helmet legislation (Australia)
04th Oct 2012
This research report, published in Accident Analysis & Prevention in January 2013, finds the decline in bicycle related head injuries attributable to mandatory helmet legislation (MHL) has been maintained over the following two decades. Increases in cycling numbers post-MHL is associated with a similar increase in injuries with the exception of head injuries. A recent decline in cycling injuries and a continued increase in cycling numbers is associated with expenditures on cycling infrastructure. The decline in injuries attributable to cycling infrastructure is more pronounced for head injuries.
State of the Art Applications to Enhance the Safety of Cycling (International)
12th Jul 2012
This research report, by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, was published in April 2012. It focuses on Information Technology and Communications applications that can be used to increase the safety of cyclists alongside traditional methods such as improvements to infrastructure.
