Crash characteristics of on-road single-bicycle crashes: An under-recognised problem

Ben Beck, Mark R. Stevenson, Peter Cameron, Jennie Oxley, Stuart Newstead, Jake Olivier, Soufiane Boufous, Belinda J. Gabbe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Compared with crashes with motor vehicles, single-bicycle crashes are an under-recognised contributor to cycling injury and the aetiology is poorly understood. Using an in-depth crash investigation technique, this study describes the crash characteristics and patient outcomes of a sample of cyclists admitted to hospital following on-road bicycle crashes. Enrolled cyclists completed a structured interview, and injury details and patient outcomes were extracted from trauma registries. Single-bicycle crashes (n=62) accounted for 48% of on-road crashes and commonly involved experienced cyclists. Common single-bicycle crash types included loss-of-control events, interactions with tram tracks, striking potholes or objects or resulting from mechanical issues with the bicycle. To address single-bicycle crashes, targeted countermeasures are required for each of these specific crash types.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)448-452
Number of pages5
JournalInjury Prevention
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2019

Keywords

  • bicycle
  • epidemiology
  • functional outcome

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