Latest EC thematic report highlights road safety measures for cyclists

Last month, the European Road Safety Observatory (ERSO) published their latest thematic report, drawing on statistics and research on improving road safety for cyclists. The report is part of a series of 20 thematic reports which aim to give urban planners and the general public an overview of the most important research questions and results on road safety. 

The report stressed the vulnerability of cyclists in urban areas. Over the last decade, road fatalities have significantly decreased across all other road user groups in the EU however, accidents involving cyclists remain high. The ERSO highlighted the severity of the problem, revealing that approximately 2,000 cyclists died in traffic in the EU in 2022, with many more sustaining injuries. This figure may even be lower than reality, given the likelihood of many unreported cases that did not involve motor vehicles. 

Like other crashes, cyclist crashes are caused mainly by a combination of factors that can broadly be divided into infrastructural and behavioural factors. Infrastructural factors can include the general layout of the road or, in the case of bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles, the absence of bicycle infrastructure. Behavioural factors such as speeding, distraction, red light running, and alcohol for both cyclists and other road users also increase crash risk.

The report offers several recommendations for cities to help prevent cyclist crashes with and without motor vehicles. Regarding infrastructure provision, the ERSO recommended the following:

• Dedicated, physically separated cycle tracks
• Lower speed limit for motor vehicles on roads without physically separated cycle tracks
• Having skid-resistance and well-maintained road surface with no obstacles on cycle tracks
• Using technology such as intelligent speed assistance in cars to discourage fast driving speed in low speed zones

Another impactful measure highlighted in the report was to ensure adequate street lighting, allowing other road users to spot cyclists at night. Using protective equipment such as helmets and external car-mounted airbags can also reduce cyclist injuries in the case of a crash.

The full report can be accessed here.