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The safety challenge of increased cycling

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  • Short, Jack
  • Caulfield, Brian

Abstract

Many countries have recently set out policy frameworks to support the growth of cycling. However, increased cycling can mean more collisions, injuries and even fatalities. This paper discusses the role of safety in cycling policy in the particular case of Ireland, which is one of the countries that has a government-endorsed policy to increase cycling. It examines available information on cycling, including police-reported accident data over the last fifteen years and more recent hospital accident data. Comparisons are made for injuries between the two sources and data matching and capture–recapture methods used to estimate injuries. The deficiencies in data are analysed and suggestions for improvements made. It is argued that gaps in available data have led to accident risks being poorly understood. The paper discusses how a convergence in cycling and safety policy can be achieved and suggests additional measures including a cycling safety target, increased communication on cycling safety, lower urban speeds and compulsory wearing of helmets for children.

Suggested Citation

  • Short, Jack & Caulfield, Brian, 2014. "The safety challenge of increased cycling," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 154-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:33:y:2014:i:c:p:154-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2014.03.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Caulfield, Brian, 2014. "Re-cycling a city – Examining the growth of cycling in Dublin," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 216-226.
    2. Pucher, John & Buehler, Ralph & Seinen, Mark, 2011. "Bicycling renaissance in North America? An update and re-appraisal of cycling trends and policies," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 45(6), pages 451-475, July.
    3. Pucher, John & Garrard, Jan & Greaves, Stephen, 2011. "Cycling down under: a comparative analysis of bicycling trends and policies in Sydney and Melbourne," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 19(2), pages 332-345.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Utriainen, Roni & Pöllänen, Markus & Liimatainen, Heikki, 2018. "Road safety comparisons with international data on seriously injured," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 138-145.
    3. Marquart, Heike & Schlink, Uwe & Ueberham, Maximilian, 2020. "The planned and the perceived city: A comparison of cyclists' and decision-makers' views on cycling quality," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    4. Pivithuru Kalpana Nanayakkara & Nano Langenheim & Irene Moser & Marcus White, 2022. "Do Safe Bike Lanes Really Slow Down Cars? A Simulation-Based Approach to Investigate the Effect of Retrofitting Safe Cycling Lanes on Vehicular Traffic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Alexandros Nikitas & Stefanos Tsigdinos & Christos Karolemeas & Efthymia Kourmpa & Efthimios Bakogiannis, 2021. "Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-25, April.
    6. Shin, Eun Jin, 2023. "Decomposing neighborhood disparities in bicycle crashes: A Gelbach decomposition analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 156-172.

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    Keywords

    Safety; Cycling; Under reporting;
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