Bridging the gap: a scoping review exploring the relationship between objective and subjective cycling safety

Research on cycling safety helps create urban environments where cyclists feel and are safe. Cycling safety is studied from two perspectives: objective safety, which examines crashes' causes and consequences, and subjective safety, which explores individuals' perceptions of said crashes. While studying both aspects are important, they are often studied separately. However, understanding their relationship is vital to ensure policies and measures benefit both without unintended negative effects on each. This study reviews literature on the connection between objective and subjective safety. Results show this relationship is complex and context-dependent, with both alignments and discrepancies. Key methodologies, findings, and challenges are discussed to better understand how this relationship can be influenced. The roles of individual behaviour, self-selection, and risk homeostasis in shaping this dynamic are hypothesised and discussed. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of aligning urban planning and safety measures with cyclists' actual and perceived safety. Future research directions are proposed to help authorities and practitioners design interventions that effectively enhance both safety dimensions, ensuring cycling becomes a safer and more appealing mode of transportation.