Traffic Sounds and Cycling Safety: The Use of Electronic Devices by Cyclists and the Quietness of Hybrid and Electric Cars

The growing popularity of electric devices and the increasing number of hybrid and electric cars have recently raised concerns about the use of auditory signals by vulnerable road users. This paper consolidates current knowledge about the two trends in relation to cycling safety. Both a literature review and a crash data analysis were carried out. Based on a proposed conceptual model, knowledge gaps are identified that need to be addressed for a better understanding of the relation between limitations on auditory information while cycling. Results suggest that the concerns regarding the use of electronic devices while cycling and the advent of hybrid and electric vehicles are justified. Listening to music and conversing on the phone negatively influence cyclists’ auditory perception, self-reported crash risk and cycling performance. With regard to electric cars, a recurring problem is their quietness at low speeds. Implications of these findings in terms of cycling safety are discussed.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2015.1017750
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/7802200
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
• Authors:
  • Stelling-Kończak, Agnieszka
  • Hagenzieker, Marjan
  • van Wee, Bert
• Publication Date: 2015-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 422-444
• Serial:
  • Transport Reviews
  • Volume: 35
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Routledge
  • ISSN: 0144-1647
  • EISSN: 1464-5327
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ttrv20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Auditory perception; Cyclists; Electric vehicles; Human factors in crashes; Mobile telephones; Noise; Sound; Traffic safety
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01566704
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 5 2015 3:00PM