Bicycle helmets, risk compensation and cyclist types

A few countries have legislated compulsive bicycle helmet use. The evidence from thesecountries concerning the effect of mandatory helmet use is mixed. Both risk compensationeffects and changes in cycling population due to helmet legislation have been put forward asexplanations regarding the lacking effect from before and after studies. As risk compensationnormally is related to accident reduction measures, not injury reducing measures, the case ofhelmet use is an interesting case to further our knowledge on this important topic. In order tolearn more about the relationship between helmet use, accidents, and cyclist typology, a random sample of 5000 participants were drawn from the Falck National register of bicycle owners in Norway. The respondents were approached via email. Due to non-existent mail addresses etc, the final sample consisted of 3930 persons who received invitations. The results of the study showed that "speed happy" cyclists seem to be involved in more cycling accidents. The use of bicycle helmet as such does not seem to be related to either accidentproneness or speeding. However, the helmet is typically seen as a part of a package of equipment that is typical of the speeding (and accident involved) cyclist. Data on risk perception collected in the questionnaire gives further insight into these quite intricate relationships.

• Authors:
  • Fyhri, Aslak
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: s 869-878
• Serial:
  • Road safety on four continents: 15th international conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 28-30 March 2010. Paper

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Behavior; Bicycling; Conferences; Cyclists; High risk drivers; Questionnaires; Risk assessment; Risk taking; Speed
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crash helmets; Use
• Geographic Terms: Norway
• ITRD Terms: 1516: Offence
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01207969
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
• Files: ITRD, VTI
• Created Date: Oct 19 2010 2:39PM