DRIVING FUTURE VEHICLES. CHAPTER 11: CYCLISTS' PROBLEMS: CAN RTI HELP?

This chapter cites Swedish road accident statistics to indicate the main problem areas for cyclists, considers some possible solutions based on road transport informatics (RTI), and estimates the effect of some of these measures on cyclists' safety. The most serious accidents are caused by: (1) cyclists passing right through a non- signalised urban intersection; and (2) cyclists passing through urban intersections while accessing a cycle track. Several RTI measures have been proposed in the DRIVE and PROMETHEUS projects, that could improve cyclists' safety. They include: (1) intelligent traffic signals able to detect bicycles; (2) speed reduction at intersections and at places where many cyclists are present; (3) warning drivers of the actual or possible presence of cyclists; (4) tutoring drivers while they are driving; and (5) giving different (not safety relevant) information to drivers in urban traffic. Because about 20% to 30% of road traffic accident casualties are cyclists, at least in Sweden, the authors conclude that the application of RTI technology must not neglect cyclists, even though it is mainly targetted at car drivers. The main scope for applying it to cyclists is in urban areas, where most cycle accidents occur. Despite some difficulties, RTI technology can improve cyclists' safety. RTI functions, implemented for cars, should not be allowed to endanger cyclists. For the covering abstract see IRRD 861934.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0748400427
• Corporate Authors:

  Taylor & Francis

  4 Park Square, Milton Park
  Abingdon,   United Kingdom  OX14 4RN
• Authors:
  • DRASKOCZY, M
  • HYDEN, C
• Publication Date: 1993

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 119-32
• Serial:
  • Publication of: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS LTD
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash rates; Cyclists; Information processing; Prevention; Safety; Telecommunications
• Uncontrolled Terms: Decreases
• Geographic Terms: Sweden
• ITRD Terms: 1661: Accident prevention; 1612: Accident rate; 1742: Cyclist; 8655: Data processing; 9009: Decrease; 8109: Sweden; 9117: Telecommunication
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00646804
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-7484-0042-7
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: May 17 1994 12:00AM