Media Release
January 12 2007
Cycling safety - it’s a numbers game
More bicycle lanes are not the answer to reducing cycle crashes in
South Australia but increasing the numbers of cyclists on the road may
actually improve rider safety.
According to research to be presented at UniSA’s
Thinking on Two Wheels
conference on January 15 at the Hilton Hotel for cyclists, the more the
merrier is an apt catchcry.
UniSA researchers
Dr Jennifer Bonham
and
John Petkov (UniSA)
presentation Safety in Numbers and the Cycling Context, shows that fewer
accidents occur if more people choose pedal-power.
“The volume of cyclists using the roads appears to be the single most
important factor in predicting the likelihood that an individual cyclist
will be involved in a crash.” Dr Bonham said.
“Our research suggests the numbers of cyclists on the road has a very
big impact on crashes – more cyclists means that drivers are more
inclined to adjust their driving behaviour.
“The road environment plays some role in cyclists being involved in a
crash but there is no straightforward relationship.”
Dr Bonham said while bicycle lanes and other infrastructure were not a
“silver bullet” in reducing cycle accidents they did play a valuable
role.
“Even if cycle lanes do not actually increase cyclists’ safety, provided
they do not increase risk, they are an important cycling investment,” Dr
Bonham said.
“Bicycle lanes acknowledge and strengthen the legitimacy of cycling. For
these reasons they should be maintained and extended. These types of
facilities provide the greatest benefit to inexperienced and less
confident cyclists.”
She said governments could also assist in decreasing cycle accidents by
strengthening driving licence tests to include education on how to drive
safely near cyclists. Councils could also provide cycling skills
workshops for people who want to learn how to ride more safely and
confidently.
The Bonham and Petkov research findings mirror results from the US,
Europe and other states in Australia.
Nationally, Adelaide has the second lowest percentage of the population
that cycle at just 1.7 per cent, but Dr Bonham says that events such as
the Tour Down Under can play a part in increasing participation. She
said that cycle crashes tended to be lower at this time of the year and
the event inspired people to cycle and get fit, at the same time
increasing driver’s awareness of cyclists.
The Thinking on Two Wheels conference will be held on January 15 and 16.
The conference will bring together academics, Government, business and
community groups for presentations on all things cycling in areas
including health, tourism, urban planning, sport and recreation and
sustainable transport.
Contact for interview
-
Dr Jennifer Bonham office (08) 8302 2212 email jennifer.bonham@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au