Lighting for cycling in the UK—A review

Abstract

While UK governments have recently sought to increase cycling activity, it remains a minority interest. One reason for this is the perceived danger of cycling on roads filled with traffic. There is statistical evidence to support this perception; for equal exposure, cyclists are more likely to be seriously injured than either drivers or pedestrians. Lighting has a role to play in reducing the hazards of cycling by enhancing the visibility and conspicuity of cyclists. Unfortunately, it is not at all clear that the current lighting regulations and recommendations for cycling and cyclists are the best that can be achieved or are even adequate for these purposes. A number of actions are suggested that should enable lighting's contribution to the safety of cyclists to be realized.

A pilot study of road lighting, cycle lighting and obstacle detection

“…Road lighting must provide for adequate obstacle detection as a countermeasure to cycling accidents in addition to enhancing the visibility of cyclists to other road users. 4 Potential obstacles include uneven surfaces (e.g. a raised paving slab or manhole cover, potholes) and objects on the road that may cause a cyclist to fall from their bicycle or to suddenly swerve to avoid the obstacle if not anticipated in sufficient time to take safe avoiding action.…”

Road lighting research for drivers and pedestrians: The basis of luminance and illuminance recommendations

“…Such research is desirable because cyclists are at high risk of a road accident, 172 and there are policies in many countries to promote cycling as a sustainable travel alternative to motorised vehicles. There is evidence that changes in practice and policy would be advantageous, 172 that improvements in the design and location of cycle lamps could improve safety, [173][174][175] and that reflective clothing enhances conspicuity after dark. 176 Many cyclists appear reluctant, however, to use these aids to safer cycling, with on-road surveys in the UK suggesting that only around 25%-58% of cyclists use both front and rear lamps.…”

“…Cyclists are another category of vulnerable road user and their needs have received even less attention in lighting research than for pedestrians. Such research is desirable because cyclists are at high risk of a road accident, 172 and there are policies in many countries to promote cycling as a sustainable travel alternative to motorised vehicles. There is evidence that changes in practice and policy would be advantageous, 172 that improvements in the design and location of cycle lamps could improve safety, 173–175 and that reflective clothing enhances conspicuity after dark.…”

Exploring the Role of Textile Craft Practice in Interdisciplinary E-Textiles Development through the Design of an Illuminated Safety Cycling Jacket

“…The design of the final prototype was influenced by all of the members of the team and their individual concerns and expertise. Decisions were made from a user-centred design approach [5], and the placement of the LED's was influenced by emerging literature in cycling safety about biomotion as a strategy for increasing conspicuity and visibility [6].…”