Every year, dozens of cyclists are killed and thousands are injured while riding on Australian roads. Statistics such as these, coupled with all-too-frequent horror stories about big-city riding, have made cycling an unappealing prospect for many.
In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 people found unsafe road conditions to be the single largest deterrent for would-be cyclists. So how can we make our roads safer for our cyclists?
One method is to analyse the last few seconds before a cycling crash occurs.
Finding out what happens in those final seconds was the main objective of my recent study of cyclists’ experiences on Melbourne roads.
Marilyn Johnson is a Research Fellow and PhD Graduate, Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) at Monash University in Australia
In my study, a compact video camera was attached to the helmets of commuter cyclists, recording their trips to and from work for a four-week period. The footage captured the cyclists’ point-of-view as they rode along, and what they saw when they turned their heads, including:
- vehicles to their right
- vehicles parked to their left
- distractions, such as signs, shopfronts and people they perved on.
The footage captured the experiences of 13 riders over 127 hours and in that time, 54 “events” were identified – two crashes, six near-crashes and 46 “incidents”.
(An “incident” was similar to a near-crash, where one road user needed to take some evasive action. However, these incidents were less severe than near-crash events.)
We’ve since analysed each of those events, frame-by-frame.
In 87% of the events captured, the driver was responsible for the action that preceded the event. In 74% of those events, the driver cut the cyclist off, turning in front of the cyclist without either:
- providing enough space
- indicating effectively
- a head check.
The footage showed that, rather than being focused on the cyclist they had just cut off, drivers were instead focused on other vehicles on the road.
If you take cyclists out of the equation, the behaviour of the recorded drivers was safe. Large-enough gaps were selected when entering and exiting parallel parking bays, lane changes were done safely, turns were done safely, and car doors were opened without endangering other road users.
Unfortunately, none of these behaviours were safe for cyclists.
The role of driver behaviour in cyclist safety was found to be more significant than previously thought. Previously, the emphasis was on how cyclists needed to improve their behaviour to improve their safety.
While cyclists certainly need to obey road rules and be courteous to other road users, my study shows that cyclists’ behaviour alone is not the answer.
In essence, drivers need to be more aware of cyclists on the road. It is essential for cyclist safety that drivers look for cyclists before they change their direction of travel, particularly when turning left.
How can drivers improve cyclists’ safety? Here are a few ways:
- Always do a head check before turning left.
- Always indicate for five seconds before turning.
- Always allow one metre when overtaking a cyclist.
- Allow cyclists to travel across an intersection rather than turning in front of them.
Most cyclists ride defensively and assume drivers have not seen them. This behaviour was seen in the footage, and cyclists’ evasive behaviour was the main reason near-crashes did not become actual crashes.
But there are a number of ways cyclists can improve their safety. One of the most effective methods is to stay out of a driver’s blind spot, particularly when travelling near 4WDs and commercial vehicles.
This can be done by staying either in front of or behind any vehicle that might be in an adjacent lane. Another effective safeguard is for cyclists to make eye contact with nearby drivers.
But cyclist safety isn’t just dependent on how cyclists and drivers approach one another – changes to roads are also needed.
All levels of government can contribute to ensure all roads are cyclist-inclusive and intuitive for cyclists and drivers. This can be achieved by:
- introducing continuous, connected bike lanes that do not end unexpectedly in preference for vehicle lanes
- maintaining curbside road surfaces
- removing ambiguous road markings, such as on-road bike lanes painted across parallel parking bays.
Of course, a bucket of paint and a bike symbol stencil is not enough to create safe spaces for cyclists on the road: drivers need to know how to use the space.
Education for new and existing drivers about cycling-related markings and infrastructure is essential in ensuring a safe space is available to cyclists.
So, what happens in the last few seconds before a cyclist crash occurs? A wide range of behaviours and reactions: reactions to other road users, to the road space and to the environment. Each of these factors needs to be addressed, independently and interdependently to improve cyclist safety on our roads.
We’re on the road to safe cycling; we just need to make sure everyone gets there safely.
Read the rest of Cycling in Australia.
This article was originally published at The Conversation.
Read the original article.
Paul
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 5:59 PMI cycle to work, not really through a major city but not on an outback road.
I was reading up on this on another site a few months ago, as well as another article i think was here.
1 guy was fined for not keeping to the bike lane, and he made a demonstration video of why he couldn’t by running into things which were parked in the bike lane.
Anyway more on the lines of this, a pro cycler said that it would be ideal for a cyclist to where a helmet cam, not to catch out and protect themselves from some of the motorists in the event of an accident, but as a learning tool for both cyclist and motor vehicles drivers to start to learn the behaviours of cyclists a bit better. Even if you get a room full of cyclist they will say the ride to the rules, but they won’t know if they break one if it is habit.
I know thinking back that there are more than likely rules that i break without even realising it.
As people look for alternative means of transport are becoming more frequent know and the local governments are starting to cater for it, i think that everyone could learn from not only what Motor vehicles drivers do but cyclists as well.
I think a camera in every car and on every bike even as just a trail will teach as a lot more than what a “Expert Road User” can as the camera can’t lie where as people we tend to just a little.
wsDK_II
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 3:57 PMYes, cameras in the cars so when the bike rider goes through the red light / cuts a walker / car off etc we can get them pulled up for this dangerous behaviour!
Paul
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 8:40 AMI agree with you there, if a cyclist does something wrong he/she should be penalised just as a car would.
Phillip Ohren
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 6:15 PMI think we are among the worlds worst drivers. Why? We are always in a rush and we are taught by our parents. Combine that with lots of non-residents on their international licensees its a recipe for disaster.
Solution:
Everyone must take instructor based lessons. All visitors over 1 months must take a short course.
Scott
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 6:46 PMTack on bike lanes on roads really are dangerous. and realistically bikes on roads just don’t mix with cars. they are too hard to see, and the location of a bike line is just an awkward spot. You wouldn’t turn into a side street from the 2nd lane cause you would cut off the car next to you, but that’s what happens when you put a bike lane in.
A far greater amount of infrastructure into dedicated bike ways is needed to be implements and bikes removed from the roads totally.
h
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8:36 PM@Scott.
Cars are allowed to drive in a bike lane for up to 50m which is commonly not known but will help the turning left instance. See rule 158: http://www.bv.com.au/media/vanilla/file/Road Safety Road Rules 2009 final.pdf.
Johnno
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 7:25 PMWhere is the footage of cyclists running red lights, cutting across footpaths to avoid red lights and nearly running over pedestrians as they cycle along the footpaths?
Mulet
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 9:20 PMI used my bicycle as my primary form of transportation for 2 years, just want cyclists to here this:
“Get the fuck off the road”
There is no specific training, road rules or registration system in place to deal with you people. You are all a hazard, and at danger and have no right being on these roads. You all may own registered and insured cars, but you do not have the same for you bikes.
As a motorist, I spent hundreds on lessons to learn road laws, and had to get a license to ensure I am a safe driver. This does not exist for bicycles. When bicycles require yearly registration to help pay for the extra lanes and infrastructure they need, and licenses are issued to ensure they can carry out safe behaviour, and observe their own subset of road laws, then they have a right to ride at 35k in front of me in a 60km zone.
Until then, just fuck off and get a car. Unless you have a really, really, REALLY good reason to straddle up 40kg of aluminium and ride silently amoung the cars (courriers?)
kami
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 9:52 PMSo, have you read the article or did you just see the headline and jump straight to the comments section?
Whilst I think there would potentially be some merit in registration, etc for cyclists (not to mention roadworthy standards), I don’t think it’s particularly necessary.
Now I admit this is a cheap shot, but would you apply the same argument with pedestrians? They occupy (albeit small) sections of the road, require infrastructure in. the form of pedestrian crossings; yet there is no formal training process and certainly no registration.
I think at the end of the day though, if you have 1 – 2 tonnes of machinery at your command, it is your responsibility to make sure that you don’t harm someone straddling 40kg of aluminium and rubber. You know, great power and great responsibility and all that.
Mulet
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 10:27 AMA lot of changes need to be made. Many of which would gobble up either
a) Precious inner city parking space
b) Vehicle lanes.
The driving behaviour the article speaks of is good. But almost worthless on a blog post, on a technology site. Put it into the driving test, and the learners log book. Then you will see new drivers, who already do this.
The pedestrian regulation? The footpaths, crossing, metail studs at the edges of roads for the blind etc… are already in place. Plus, how are you going to make a homeless guy or a 2yr old register their shoes? Not a cheap shot, just a silly one.
My point is that cyclists need a lot done for them. Regulations, licenses and changes to roads before they are safe.
Jaymz
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10:04 PMReally, REALLY good reason? Saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on fuel every year, reducing pollution by the same amount, staying fit, halving travel time during peak hour, having zero parking costs. If there is a bright green bike lane on a road, I’m going to make the mental leap to me having a right to use it.
If the people riding also have registered cars, then that means they have paid road maintenance costs but AREN’T causing the damage that you argue those fees go towards. That means that by riding a bike they are creating a surplus of road maintenance money that then goes partly towards the half-metre widening of the road that offends you so.
Lastly, if your bike weighs 40kg then I completely understand why you stopped riding.
Mulet
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 10:37 AMWhat a self centered argument.
Saving money, staying fit, and getting around faster are benefits to you.
“If the people riding also have registered cars…”
The registration on a single car is ~$600. Everyone pays one registration per vehicle, not a shared registration account. You own two vehicles. A bicycle and a car. You pay one registration. You should pay a second registration on your bike proportionate to the ammount of space you take. Say ~200 per year. Bear in mind, 4 cyclists, the contents of a small hatchback, still takes the space of a small hatchback.
Instead of the entitled attitude, why not come up with a reasonable compramise?
Fuck you, by the way.
Jaymz
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 11:01 AMI…I just don’t know what to say to that. Self-centered argument? All you did in your initial rant was vent personal grievances and swear. I countered with a viewpoint that pertains to me. That’s how discussions work. Preferably without the abuse.
Aside from that, you didn’t really address any of my points, you just shouted over the top of me. I’m already paying $600 a year, which by your logic entitles me to cause $600 worth of road damage. By riding a bike after paying car rego I’m operating at an almost 100% loss, since bikes have so little impact as to be insignificant. You’re suggesting that I pay more for the privilege of taking up physical space. In a designated bike lane. My rego goes to maintaining the road that YOU’RE driving on, it goes both ways. If you can point out, on your morning drive to work, a full car with 4 or 5 people in it all heading to work together, then your insane equivalent-space theory might start to make a shred of sense.
Oh, and fuck you too, I guess?
Ben
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:18 PMTaxes pay for roads not registration. Registration costs cover administration and compensation to victims of accidents caused by cars.
A tax payer who cycles is effectively subsidising car uses.
Mulet
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 10:43 PMAnd we have summarised the relationship between cyclist and motorist perfectly.
Cyclists are entitled to ride alongside cars, whilst motorists are entitled to drive without fear of crushing one by accident.
Better roads, lanes and markings to keep cyclists in safe locations alongside cars.
Training integrated into driving lessons and tests to increase awareness for all future drivers.
More street sweeps and cleaning of bicycle roads to ensure cyclists are safe in their own area. More fines for illegal parking here also.
The previous paid for by bicyle registration.
Numberplates for bicycles to make their offences actually trackable.
Bicycle licenses for cyclists to ensure they too, observe road laws safely.
With this system, the additional training and infrastructure is paid for by those that use it. The lane splitting, crossing running cyclist ninja’s are trackable after the accidental offenders have been filtered out.
And the article covers the short term behaviour solution. Negating any one of these points, reduces the safety of the potential system I suggest.
JAck
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:25 PM+1 Mullet, I am sick of the lycra wearing dickheads, if you want exercise go for a jog/swim or gym.
chrisp
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 6:47 PMRiding a razor scooter to a sheltered workshop once a week doesn’t count as “using a bicycle” you clown.
trollhunter
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 9:32 PMDon’t feed the troll…
Val
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10:45 PMI must agree with Mulet, cyclists are an absolute pain. It is bloody dangerous.
If you want to ‘save the world from pollution’ and go green – take a train.
Cars are for the road, if you want to ride a bike – go to st.kilda beach on the dedicated bike track well away from cars.
Sicarius123
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 12:35 AMFuck cyclists who ride on the road with a perfectly good cycle lane next to them shit me.
There are two lane roads near me that used to be three lane until recently. There is no less traffic, but the two existing lanes were widened with a bike stencilled on the other lane.
Yet the cyclists still ride right on the lane lines, or to the edge of the car lane. Apparently from cyclists I’ve talked to it’s because they can go faster and get less punctures as the cars push debris from that part of the road.
What a bunch of whinging retards, they whinge until they get their own lane, and then still choose to be unsafe.
Jaymz
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 9:45 AMFuck drivers who feel the need to taking racing lines around corners and cut straight across bike lanes when they have a perfectly good lane do drive in. And drivers who park in the bike lanes. And drivers that speed up to pass (having clearly seen you) then cut in front and slam on their brakes to turn left, running me off the road and breaking my elbow. It goes both ways mate, you dick with us just as much as we dick with you, except you doing it puts us in real danger of physical harm.
As for your blatant disregard for your friends reasoning, it’s almost impossible to ride in a poorly swept bike lane. Have you ever tried riding on gravel on 2cm wide tyres? I would much rather ride on the edge of the road if necessary than risk the back wheel slipping out and me going under your car.
Whipp
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 9:05 AMFuck cyclists who lanesplit and then park their arses in front of me at the traffic light. Also fuck those who go straight through the RED light after lanesplitting past me.
lou
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 3:49 AMdrivers are not trained to do a headacheck turning left. in fact I don’t remember any training to do with bike’s in getting my license.
and the new road rules about. Ike’s not overtaking turning vehicles etc is confusing.
but my first point, is the biggest. and you’ll never get all drivers which is why bike’s will never be safe.
Adrian
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 7:38 AMI just bought a helmet cam this weekend to try to protect myself. I’m a regular cycle commuter and have been hit by cars three times this year (1 car dooring and two cars turning left). Most drivers are quick to acknowledge fault as they’re just not looking however the last driver reported that I was at fault to their insurance company so I think a video of the incident will help. As for the conclusion about I could have told you that without a study.
“In essence, drivers need to be more aware of cyclists on the road. It is essential for cyclist safety that drivers look for cyclists before they change their direction of travel, particularly when turning left.
Most cyclists ride defensively and assume drivers have not seen them. This behaviour was seen in the footage, and cyclists’ evasive behaviour was the main reason near-crashes did not become actual crashes.”
Changes to road signals signs and marking would make a huge difference too. It’s obvious to me that the councils that put markings and decide where cycling routes are have no idea how to implement these safely for cyclists. Another factor that this article did not cover but is also a huge issue is mixing cyclists with pedestrians…
JAck
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:30 PMYou have been injured three times this year and still haven’t learnt !?! Good luck at the Darwin Awards…..
Fistbeard McTavish
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 8:58 AMI live in an area that’s absolutely filled with cyclists (Competitive Lycra wearing ones), and I would have to say about 70% of them just don’t follow any sort of road rules AT ALL.
Driving to work on a small winding road, and they’re riding 5 abreast, assholes riding up the middle of traffic in a town center, turning at lights without the green arrow, etc. I would say for them to wither get off the damn road or use the Cycle Tracks. You know, how back in the 80′s everyone was screaming for them, and then they didn’t even use them because pedestrians walk on them? Yeah.
They’re just totally inconsiderate, thinking that just because they’re on a bike it somehow makes them not need to give way or follow basic road rules. I genuinely get scared overtaking them, because while I do fantasise about sacrificing my scalding cup of coffee out the window at them, I’m more worried about one of them being a cockface and pulling out in front of me, clipping my side mirror and then getting injured.
The ones that actually *do* stay in the lane and follow road rules I have no problems with, but some of these risk-taking fuckholes where I live don’t understand that cars win out over bikes any day of the week.
Joel
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 4:06 PMI have just started gradually moving into the bikelane next to these 4-5 abreast riders, they freak the hell out and uaually crash into each other :)
it teaches them a lesson i think.
Ed Luck
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 9:16 AMAs a motorcyclist, I roll my eyes whenever I see this type of stuff. When it comes to cyclists it’s all “someone think of the children!!” but people who happen to have an engine between their legs when travelling are told to harden up.
Until there’s some equity in this discussion to include motorcycles, I have zero interest in assisting with changes to road rules for cyclists.
Will C
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 10:15 AMAs a pedestrian, I get cut off by bikes all the time.
Across zebra crossings and traffic lights.
Light turns green for pedestrian, cyclist thinks its OK to turn into the road without looking.
I start walking across a zebra crossing, cyclist zooms by without stopping or slowing.
Mulet
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 10:43 AMNext time one whips through, just stand there. In his way. If he skids out and falls over, then just carry on walking. If he is about to hit you, push him off his bike.
Cyclists should consider themselves vehicles. The ones that consider themselves the ninja-hybrid of car and pedestrain, deserve to fall off and learn a hard lesson. Or better yet, be banned from riding a bike on a road.
Bicyle number plates would help.
Joel
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 4:08 PM+ 1,
but i like to wait until they have just gone passed and kick the back wheel, it sends them into a fishtale and they fall over :D
serves them right for breaking the rules
Thongie
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 10:31 AMI have been riding to work now for the last 8 yrs and i follow the road rules just like any car does. It seriously pisses me off when i see other cyclists breaking the rules and I give em hell about it coz they’re usually the ones that arc up when they get cut off by a car!! But its pricks like you that are the reason i carry a metal pump in my backpack…
Kroo
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 11:07 AMCyclist will always come off second best in any incident with vehicles. Which amazes me at the risk taking by some cyclist. I do believe in registration for adult cyclists, and this money should be used to build dedicated bike tracks AWAY from roads. There are many creeks, high tension power lines, median strips and causeways where these lanes can be located to divide riders and drivers. Any cyclist who doesn’t believe in registration is being selfish. Vehicle registration is for a single vehicle not multiples. Any rider that breaks the road laws should be identified and punished like all road users. Turning two lane roads into single lane roads to accommodate bike lanes just adds to the frustration, congestion, danger and contempt for bike riders. Cyclists should be aware that in slow moving traffic, a driver isn’t expecting anything faster than the traffic to wiz past on the blind side. Please be mindfull of that.
Kroo
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 11:14 AMTo make a point, the first video, under the current Victorian road laws, no vehicle is allowed to pass on the left of any other moving vehicles unless that vehicle is indicating a right hand turn in the outside lane. That includes bikes. That rider is breaking the law, and if it went to court, the rider wouldn’t have a legal leg to stand on. Three bike riders have died in recent history by passing on the inside of trucks. None of the drivers were found culpable. Rider error. It’s time to re-learn, reinforce and police the road laws to protect bike riders and drivers.
krunel
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2:45 PMNo. The vic road safety rules 2009 on overtaking to the left “A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not overtake a vehicle to the left of the vehicle…”
David Short
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 11:57 AMI opened the web page from the RSS feed to see some foulmouthed redneck comments, and wasn’t disappointed.
JAck
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 1:32 PMObvious troll is obvious
James
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 2:45 PMThe first video does show a problem though – that the cyclist was riding in the blind spot of the car in question. I drive that road often, and it is particularly difficult to see cyclists, either when they are riding in that spot, or when they are flying up the bike lane when cars are slowed by heavy traffic. Whilst I beleive in fair and equal use of the road, I also believe strongly that a registration system and some form of cyclist education system is neccessary in a city such as that, if only to make drivers aware that cyclists have a right to use the road.
smurfydog
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 7:29 PMThis is always a hot topic.
As a motorcyclist and a driver I’m all for increased driver training and raising driver awareness of the presence of ALL their 2-wheeled bretheren.
Yes, there are thoughtless and selfish road users of all types – cyclists, drivers, motorsyclists, truckies etc.
But think abut this.
If you are a stupid cyclist, you may become the next road victim.
But if you are a stupid driver, you may well be responsible for the next road victim.
Getting my motorbike license has definitely made me a much more aware road user. I actively look for 2-wheeled road users now rather than just being aware of the ones I have already spotted before beginning a lane change or turn etc.
Just my 2c.
Oh, and if nothing else, this article and comments has shown the merit of weekend editors at Allure sites. ;p
Ray
Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 8:34 PMI do not support stupid or illegal behaviour, but the attiude of some drivers to other people on the roads (cyclists or other wise is insane). As a society we are so in-tollerant of others it amazing.
We really need to change our attiudes on cycling culture, expand you minds a little and go travel and see how other countries do it. In New York no one batters an eyelid if a cyclist goes through a red light. There must be plentry of coppers by the sounds of it.
JAck
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 8:20 AMOne of the many reasons why I never want to live in america….
Whipp
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 8:57 AMOnce I was parking and reversing (yes, I had checked, no cyclists behind or to the left of me before I began), and when half my car was in the space some idiot of a cyclist sped up behind, shouted a “fuck you” and then took an exaggerated loop around the car before zooming off again.
I don’t know, but the experiences I’ve had with most cyclists is that the lycra-clad ones are arseholes.
Paul
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 12:39 PMI ride a motorcycle and see this shit all the time even on the loud thing. I don’t wear lycra, but I know for a fact a lot of if not most drivers are pretty ignorant and moronic these days.
Fair enough, some motorcyclists are stupid. But a lot obey the rules given the fact they’re in the open instead of a cage. I wouldn’t care so much if I hadn’t been cut of countless times and almost side swiped.
Maracha
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 3:43 PMI can recall 7 times that I saw a motorcyclist stay in line and not go between the cars to get to the front. It’s such a rare thing to see that I can actually count the occurrences.
Matt
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 10:44 AMAnd exactly how many times has that caused you any invconvenience whatsoever? Let me count…0. Get over it.
mike
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 6:56 PMeverybody is responsible for the communal shared space which is the public road cyclists should try to use bike paths when possible but in sydney this just isnt possible with some good bike lanes but all not linked very well and ultimately the cyclist has to merge back into roads at some point which makes awareness of cyclists and cars alike paramount if cyclists cant keep at a reasonable pace without impeding cars they need to give way if you can keep pace and are acting like a car then be really space aware and indicate when changing lanes and being courteous , cars need to indicate and be aware of vehicles other than cars ie bikes and motorbikes.
one thing in sydney that sucks for everyone is our impatience that we all need to chill the fuck out sometimes and get to work alive and happy not stressed fucked off and full of road rage
Hillary
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 11:48 PMI am disappointed by the lack of fail blog style bike accidents in this video.
Dave
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 10:50 AMThis is an interesting one for me. On the one hand, I see well intentioned drivers who simply aren’t looking out for cyclists do things like this all the time. I think it’s dangerous to make an optimistic assumption of drivers’ awareness of cyclists, and don’t believe it’s realistic to expect it. I ride defensively, and only ask for sufficient space when being overtaken.
The same goes in turn for pedestrians on bike paths – I always allow a wide berth, and don’t expect to be given right of way. Cyclists with an overwhelming sense of entitlement who treat roads like race tracks and run red lights without qualification are fools. Sadly, they’re not alone.
On the other hand, I don’t slavishly follow the road rules if I’m not inconveniencing anyone or putting anyone else in danger.