More screen operation than calling: The results of observing cyclists' behaviour while using mobile phones

Mobile phone use among motorcyclists and electric bike riders: A case study of Hanoi, Vietnam

“…Mobile phone use among electric bike riders in Hanoi (4.43%) was 11 times greater than in China (0.4%) (Du et al, 2013). In addition, overall mobile phone use among motorcyclists and electric bike riders in Hanoi was nearly 3 times higher than mobile phone use among cyclists in the Netherlands with 3% (de Waard et al, 2015). Given that the number of motorcycles is projected to remain high and continue to dominate traffic flow in Vietnam (Duc et al, 2013) combined with the increasing availability of mobile devices, this high level of mobile phone use while riding is alarming.…”

“…Results also indicated that calling was preferred to screen operation among motorcyclists and electric bike riders in Hanoi. This is the opposite to mobile phone use observed among cyclists in the Netherlands (de Waard et al, 2015). However, with the increasing availability of inexpensive smart phones in Vietnam, this trend could change in the next few years.…”

“…Effects of mobile phone use while riding a bicycle have also been investigated in previous research. For example, cyclists have been found to make less head movements at intersections if they are using a mobile phone (de Waard et al, 2015).…”

Distracting and risky behaviours while cycling: a comparison of group and non-group riders in Western Australia

“…In addition, talking on a handheld mobile phone affected detection using peripheral vision, and listening to music and mobile phone use reduced cyclists’ auditory perception 16 17. More recently, cyclists operating their mobile phones were found to make fewer head movements at intersections 18. A roadside observation study also reported that cyclists who were performing a secondary behaviour demonstrated more unsafe behaviours and created more situations where another road user had to avoid a collision 6.…”

Distracted Biking

“…Bicyclists must rely upon their vision, hearing, and full attention in order to best protect themselves from potential hazards (Stelling-Konczak, Hagenzieker, & van Dee, 2013). Reduced attention can place bicyclists and other road users at greater risk of sustaining an injury (deWaard, Schepers, Ormel, & Brookhuis, 2010; Terzano, 2013; deWaard, Westerhuis, & Lewis-Evans, 2015; Edell, Jung, Solomon, & Palu, 2013; Golden, Houtenbos, Ehlers, & deWaard, 2012; deWaard, Edlinger, & Brookhuis, 2011). The number of bicycle crash injuries in the US has risen 75% over the past 15 years from 8,791 in 1998 to over 15,400 in 2013 (Sanford, McCulloh, Callcut, Carroll, & Breyer, 2015).…”