A model of behavioural adaptation as a contributor to the safety-in-numbers effect for cyclists

The safety in numbers (SiN) effect is often invoked as a mechanism by which increasing numbers of vulnerable road users introduced into a transport network can result in reduced per-capita risk of collision resulting in injury or death. Mechanisms underlying SiN’s function, however, have not been well described. Extending previous agent-based modelling work, this study explored the potential role of behavioural adaptation of drivers to the presence of cyclists that followed patterns of Rescorla–Wagner (R–W) learning models. Results indicated that SiN effects consistent with those present in real-world studies were replicable in a simulated environment, and that R–W model input settings were able to control the strength of the SiN effect in combination with the influence of increased cyclist density. The combined theoretical and simulation model presented here provides a novel means by which the potential safety effects of cycling policy settings and interventions may be academically and practically explored.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2015.12.004
• Record URL:
  • http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856415002785
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09658564
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
• Authors:
  • Thompson, Jason
  • Savino, Giovanni
  • Stevenson, Mark
• Publication Date: 2016-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 65-75
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice
  • Volume: 85
  • Publisher: Elsevier
  • ISSN: 0965-8564
  • Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/09658564

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Bicycle crashes; Cyclists; Drivers; Mathematical models; Pedestrian safety; Safety; Traffic crash victims; Vulnerable road users
• Uncontrolled Terms: Agent based models
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01597655
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 28 2016 2:43PM