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Title:

LOW-COST OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAKING CITIES BICYCLE-FRIENDLY BASED ON A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS OF CYCLIST BEHAVIOR AND ACCIDENTS (WITH DISCUSSION AND CLOSURE)

Accession Number:

00627062

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309054133

Abstract:

Cycling as a means of transportation has increased substantially in cities throughout the developed world. This increase in bicycle use has taken place largely on urban transportation systems that were not specifically planned or designed to accommodate cyclists, particularly in North America. As a result, these cities are witnessing increases in bicycle accidents and growing problems in coping with bicycle traffic. Furthermore, the proportion of adult cyclists involved in accidents has increased, reflecting the bicycle's increased role in urban transportation. Field observations of cyclist behavior were carried out at key sites in the cities of Winnipeg and Vancouver, Canada, whose road networks were not specifically planned with the bicycle in mind. These observations reveal that only half of cyclists ride correctly. Practices such as riding on the sidewalk, going straight from right-turn-only lanes and bus bays, and overtaking between traffic and the curb were common. In addition, two-thirds of left turns were done incorrectly and cyclists tended to "switch roles" between pedestrian and vehicle operator. These behavior patterns are compared with Winnipeg's bicycle accident experience, on the basis of detailed consideration of some 2,300 police-reported, bicycle-motor vehicle collisions over 13 years. The comparison indicates that many of the observed patterns contribute to accidents. To counter the increase in bicycle accidents and to make current transportation systems bicycle-friendly, low-cost opportunities in the areas of roadway modifications, cyclist training, and public awareness are proposed.

Supplemental Notes:

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1372, Nonmotorized Transportation. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

Monograph Title:

Nonmotorized transportation

Monograph Accession #:

01405116

Language:

English

Authors:

Thom, Robert G
Clayton, Alan M

Discussers:

Clarke, Andy

Pagination:

p. 90-101

Publication Date:

1992

Serial:

Transportation Research Record

Issue Number: 1372
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

0309054133

Features:

Figures (1) ; References (3) ; Tables (4)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Subject Areas:

Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Mar 10 1993 12:00AM

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