The role of conspicuity in preventing bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle

Abstract

Background: Bicycle use, despite its proven health and other benefits, is rarely part of everyday travel for many people due to the perceived risk of injury from collision crashes. This article investigated the role of physical vs. attention conspicuity in preventing bicycle crashes involving a motor vehicle in New Zealand. Methods: The Taupo Bicycle Study involved 2590 adult cyclists recruited in 2006 (43.1% response rate) and followed for bicycle crash outcomes through linkage to four national databases. A composite measure of physical conspicuity was created using latent class analysis based on the use of fluorescent colours, lights and reflective materials, and the main colour of top, helmet and bike frame. Attention conspicuity was assessed based on regional differences in travel patterns and the amount of riding in a bunch. Cox regression modelling for repeated events was performed with multivariate adjustments. Results: During a median follow-up period of 6.4 years, 162 participants experienced 187 bicycle–motor vehicle crashes. The crash risk was not predicted by the four latent classes identified and the amount of bunch riding but was higher in Auckland, the region with the lowest level of bicycle use relative to car use. In subgroup analyses, compared to other latent classes, the most physically conspicuous group had a higher risk in Auckland but a lower risk in other regions. Conclusion: Conspicuity aids may not be effective in preventing bicycle–motor vehicle crashes in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland, where attention conspicuity is low.

Reframing safety: An analysis of perceptions of cycle safety clothing

“…Although such clothing appears to increase visibility in artificial test situations (Kwan and Mapstone, 2004), a systematic review did not identify 'real world' evidence that the use of 'conspicuity aids' is associated with reduced injury risk (Kwan and Mapstone, 2009). Subsequent work has not provided clear evidence of benefit (Miller, 2014, Tin Tin et al, 2014, Walker et al, 2014.…”

The effect of an italian nationwide mandatory visibility aids law for cyclists

“…pointed out that it is unclear the effect of the use of high-visibility clothing on cyclist safety (Kwan and Mapstone, 2006;Miller et al, 2017;Tin Tin et al, 2014). While the use highvisibility clothing for cyclist has the potential to improve recognition and detection in laboratorybased and road-based simulation trials (Kwan and Mapstone, 2006), according to Miller et al (2017), high-visibility clothing may not be effective in promoting cycling safety when used in the absence of other bicycle crash prevention measures such as lower motor vehicle speeds.…”

“…One systematic review analyzing 42 trials assessing the effect of visibility aids on drivers' responses revealed that while visibility aids may have the potential to increase visibility and improve drivers' responses in detection and recognition, the effect of their use on cyclist safety remains to be determined (Kwan and Mapstone, 2006). The findings of recent studies suggest that the safety effect of high-visibility bicycle clothing is not consistent (Lahrmann et al, 2017;Miller et al, 2017;Tin Tin et al, 2014).…”

The Influence of Road Lighting on Cyclist Numbers and Safety

“…Cyclists are aware of this and tend to look out for motorised vehicles. Drivers are less aware of cyclists, partly because they pose less risk than other motorised vehicles, and also because they are encountered less frequently and therefore may not be prominent in the driver's expectations about what they are likely to see (Tin Tin et al, 2014). A similar reduced awareness occurs for motorcyclists.…”