BICYCLE PRODUCTS, BRAKES, LIGHTS AND HELMETS

Statistical information on bicycle product related injuries is examined as a background to investigations on safety aspects of bicycle braking systems, lighting systems, and safety helmets. The distribution of injuries over the body is analysed to determine the areas most likely to suffer serious injury, and also the areas likely to suffer injury most frequently. Comparative laboratory tests were conducted on a selection of braking systems in order to assess braking performance under simulated road conditions. In laboratory tests the photometric properties of a number of both battery and dynamo operated lighting systems were evaluated. In addition, tests were conducted to determine electrical output characteristics of the dynamos. Test results reveal serious deficiencies in both types of systems. Comprehensive tests on protective helmets were conducted to establish suitability for bicycle riders' use. The results show that a few helmets only could be considered satisfactory and that these could be used for other activities. Children's size helmets are not readily available in these models. The protective capability of helmets cannot be judged by appearance or price and marking is recommended to reference application and performance standards. The report was commissioned by Loder and Bayly as consultants to the State Bicycle Committee. The programme was funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Transport Planning and Research (Financial Assistance) Act 1977. (TRRL)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared by Technisearch Limited, Testing and Investigation Division.
• Corporate Authors:

  Victoria State Bicycle Committee

  Spring Street
  Melbourne, Victoria,   Australia 
• Publication Date: 1981-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 113 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bicycles; Brakes; Braking; Cyclists; Economic efficiency; Electric batteries; Headlamps; Helmets; Injuries; Injury severity; Laboratories; Protective clothing; Rear lighting; Reflectivity; Safety; Tests; Vehicle lighting
• Uncontrolled Terms: Efficiency; Rear light
• Old TRIS Terms: Dynamo
• ITRD Terms: 1211: Bicycle; 1361: Brake; 1874: Braking; 1687: Crash helmet; 1742: Cyclist; 5911: Efficiency; 6971: Generator; 1342: Headlamp; 2163: Injury; 6237: Laboratory (not an organization); 5926: Reflectivity; 1665: Safety; 1623: Severity (accid, injury); 1331: Side light; 6255: Test
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00367063
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 30 1982 12:00AM