Investigating traffic light violations by cyclists in Dublin City Centre

Abstract

This research examines the behavior of cyclists in Dublin City with specific regard to red light running. A number of specific research questions are raised by this study. These questions address the impact of different infrastructure types on red light running, as well as the behavioral patterns and demographics of offending cyclists. Two data collection methods were used to gather information on cyclists in Dublin City -an observational survey and an online questionnaire. The observational surveys examined cyclist compliance with different traffic signal systems and the impact of on-road and off-road cycle infrastructure. An online questionnaire was used to get direct feedback from cyclists in Dublin City on the reasons (if any) they decide to commit infringement at traffic lights. With the recent growth of cycling in Dublin City (as well as many other international cities) it is vital to accommodate and manage this growing demand by ensuring the safety and road discipline of cyclists. The next few years will be crucial for the continued development of cycling in Dublin, particularly due to the increasing investment by transport planners in cycle infrastructure. It is therefore important to identify now the main factors which influence cyclist's decisions to break red lights in order to guide local traffic authorities in their efforts to reduce such transgressions. AbstractThis research examines the behavior of cyclists in Dublin City with specific regard to red light running. A number of specific research questions are raised by this study. These questions address the impact of different infrastructure types on red light running, as well as the behavioral patterns and demographics of offending cyclists. Two data collection methods were used to gather information on cyclists in Dublin City -an observational survey and an online questionnaire. The observational surveys examined cyclist compliance with different traffic signal systems and the impact of on-road and off-road cycle infrastructure. An online questionnaire was used to get direct feedback from cyclists in Dublin City on the reasons (if any) they decide to commit infringement at traffic lights.With the recent growth of cycling in Dublin City (as well as many other international cities) it is vital to accommodate and manage this growing demand by ensuring the safety and road discipline of cyclists. The next few years will be crucial for the continued development of cycling in Dublin, particularly due to the increasing investment by transport planners in cycle infrastructure. It is therefore important to identify now the main factors which influence cyclist's decisions to break red lights in order to guide local traffic authorities in their efforts to reduce such transgressions.

Measuring Delays for Bicycles at Signalized Intersections Using Smartphone GPS Tracking Data

“…The perception of a one-minute stop at a traffic sign equals 3.1 min of cycling. Excessive waiting times for cyclists may also result in undesired behavior in terms of route choice (avoidance of signalized intersections) [4][5][6] and red light running infringements [7][8][9].…”

Large-Scale Bicycle Flow Experiment: Setup and Implementation

“…Stopping at a red traffic light: Researchers have analyzed red-light running of cyclists at specific intersections across the world and identified influencing attributes that explain this behavior, such as gender, age, amount of conflicting motorized traffic, crossing distance, and cycling with company. An overview of these studies can be found in Richardson and Caulfield ( 9 ).…”

Binomial and multinomial regression models for predicting the tactical choices of bicyclists at signalised intersections

“… Response to red signal: In their review of 16 studies pertaining to red light violations of bicyclists, Richardson & Caulfield (2015) found percentages of red light violation (or violators for self-reported surveys) to range between 6.9% and 87.5%. The infrastructure used by a bicyclist is linked to the likelihood of a red light violation (Allen et al, 2005;Johnson et al, 2011;Richardson and Caulfield, 2015).…”

“… Response to red signal: In their review of 16 studies pertaining to red light violations of bicyclists, Richardson & Caulfield (2015) found percentages of red light violation (or violators for self-reported surveys) to range between 6.9% and 87.5%. The infrastructure used by a bicyclist is linked to the likelihood of a red light violation (Allen et al, 2005;Johnson et al, 2011;Richardson and Caulfield, 2015). In addition, the traffic flow on the current approach as well as on the crossing road of the intersection plays an important role in red light compliance (Johnson et al, 2013(Johnson et al, , 2011Pai and Jou, 2014).…”