Objectives

To examine studies of cycle tracks from different countries in order to identify the safety of these facilities relative to cycling on roads.

Methodology

A literature review of 22 papers from Northern Europe and one from Canada, all dating from 1987.

Key Findings:

• One way cycle tracks are generally safer at intersections than two way cycle tracks.

• When effective intersection treatments are employed, constructing cycle tracks on busy roads can reduce collisions and injuries.

• When there is a control of exposure and all collision types are included, one way cycle tracks reduce the severity of injuries even if no intersection treatments are implemented.

• Intersection treatments that appear to be effective in improving safety are:

  • Having the cycle track closer to the adjacent road traffic on the approach to the intersection to increase the visibility of cyclists to motorists;

  • Having advance stop lines for motorised traffic at least 20m back from the entrance of the junction;

  • At side road crossings and locations where cyclists might be travelling straight with vehicles turning across the path of a cycle track, cycle crossings should be raised, effectively providing a speed bump that reduces vehicle turning speeds and therefore lowers the severity of potential injuries to cyclists;

  • Having cycle signals to formally separate the movements of cyclists going straight ahead and motor vehicles turning.

• The safety benefit of coloured cycle crossings is less conclusive. Some studies suggested that they improve safety, but only when used on one arm of a four arm intersection. When used on multiple arms they become less prominent to drivers.

• The literature reviewed failed to address injury severity and also take account of how exposure affects risk.

Themes

Cycle infrastructure, safety, cycle tracks, intersections, junctions

Comments

A review of studies looking at the safety of different intersection treatments.

Free