The Frequency of Single-bicycle Crashes (SBCs) in Countries with Varying Bicycle Modal Shares

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the frequency of single-bicycle crashes (SBCs; falls and obstacle collisions) in countries with varying bicycle modal shares by a literature search. The relationship between frequency and the proportion of cycling in the modal share in countries with varying shares of cycling in the modal split is explored using correlation and regression analyses. The results show that on average, 17% of cyclist fatalities are killed by SBCs. This percentage varies between 5 and 30%. Between 60 and 95% of cyclists admitted to hospitals or treated at Emergency Departments, are victims of SBCs. The proportion of all injured cyclists who are injured in SBCs is unrelated to the share of cycling in the modal split. The share of SBC casualties among the total number of road crash casualties increases proportionally less than the increase in bicycle modal share. As found in previous studies of cyclists injured in collisions this study found that the increase in the number of SBC casualties is proportionally less than the increase in bicycle modal share.