A Review of Recent Bicycle Related Safety Research in Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the recent research in relation to bicycle safety carried out in Australia. Australian road authorities in particular have been active in conducting and commissioning bicycle safety research in recent years. This research has been complemented, and to some extent stimulated, by other sources such as bicycle groups and university research centres. The focus of much of the research has been on the assessment of cyclist risk exposure in absolute terms, relative to other modes and comparisons of casualty rates between different categories of cyclist. A clear distinction is drawn between exposure comparisons and evidence of causal relationships . Factors investigated for association are discussed and the research seeking to establish causation is also considered. The research into alternative measures for reducing bicycle crashes and for reducing severity of injury when they occur is discussed with a particular focus on research into helmets; their effectiveness, programmes to increase levels of use, impact of increased helmet wearing on serious injury rates, and the impact of the compulsory helmet wearing laws introduced in Australia since 1990.