Citation

Sörensen M. Proc. Road Saf. Four Continents Conf. 2010; 15: 963-974.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Conference Sponsor)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Increasing concern about global warming has lead to a heightened interest in how to promote more environmentally sustainable transport as cycling. However, the problems are that cyclists run a greater risk of being injured in traffic than car occupants, and that many cyclists feel unsafe. Cycle tracks and lanes are intended to reduce cycle accident risk, and give cyclists increased mobility and feeling of safety. The objective of this study is to find out if and how cycle tracks and lanes should be designed to improve the conditions for cyclists so these measures may contribute to promote cycling in cities. A comprehensive literature study of effect studies, cycle handbooks and road design manuals from Europe, North America and Australia has been conducted. The effects on accidents of different designs of cycle tracks and lanes are summarized by means of meta-analysis. It is not possible to make a meta-analysis for the effect on subjective safety and mobility. Thus, the assessment is made as a qualitatively summation of the included studies and a theoretical assessment of the effect. Cycle lanes reduce the number of cycle accident along the road and in intersections. Cycle tracks do not have the same positive effect on cycle safety. It seems that cycle tracks transfer cycle accidents from along the road to intersections. However, not all designs of cycle tracks in intersections have a negative effect on safety. The subjective feeling of safety usually increases among cyclists when cycle traffic is physically separated from motorized traffic. In intersections measures that contribute to an increased mix of cycle and motorized traffic are likely to make cyclists feel more unsafe. Mobility is improved for many but not all measures. The conclusion of the study is that building of cycle tracks is recommended as a measure to improve the condition for cyclists, because it is possible to eliminate the negative effect on safety by making a proper design in intersections. In addition, cycle tracks, together with other measures, may increase the number of cyclists that may improve safety because the cyclists become more visible.