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

Beck, Ben; Stevenson, Mark; Cameron, Peter; Oxley, Jennifer; Newstead, Stuart; Olivier, Jake; Boufous, Soufiane; Gabbe, Belinda J. · 2019 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2018-043014

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Summary

This study addresses the under-recognized problem of single-bicycle crashes, which contribute significantly to cycling injuries but are poorly understood due to reliance on police data that often lacks detail. While existing literature focuses heavily on collisions with motor vehicles, rising single-bicycle fatality rates in Australia and the Netherlands necessitate a deeper understanding of these specific crash characteristics to develop targeted countermeasures. The authors aimed to investigate the crash circumstances, patient demographics, and injury outcomes of cyclists admitted to hospital following on-road single-bicycle collisions. The research utilized an in-depth crash investigation technique involving prospective recruitment of cycling-related trauma patients from two major adult trauma services in Melbourne, Australia, during 2013. The study included 129 consenting patients, comprising 62 single-bicycle crashes and 67 multivehicle crashes. Data were collected through structured interviews conducted by trained research nurses during hospital stays, capturing demographic details, precise crash descriptions, and risk factors. These interview data were linked with information from the Victorian State Trauma Registry and the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry. Injuries were coded using ICD-10-AM, and functional recovery was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended at 12 months post-injury. Statistical analyses compared single-bicycle and multivehicle crashes using logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The results indicated that single-bicycle crashes accounted for 48% of on-road crashes in the sample. These crashes commonly involved experienced cyclists (71% had over 10 years of experience) who cycled frequently. The primary crash types were loss-of-control events (37%), interactions with tram tracks (19%), striking potholes or objects (13%), and mechanical issues (10%). Loss-of-control incidents often resulted from sudden braking or slippery conditions. Compared to multivehicle crashes, single-bicycle crashes had lower injury severity scores but similar hospital lengths of stay. Notably, patients in single-bicycle crashes had a significantly higher rate of complete functional recovery at 12 months (53% vs. 26%) and high return-to-work rates (96%). The study concludes that single-bicycle crashes are a substantial contributor to cycling injury, occurring in diverse scenarios that require multifaceted prevention strategies. The authors recommend specific countermeasures for each crash type, such as moderating speeds in wet conditions, prohibiting parking near tram tracks, improving road maintenance to eliminate potholes, and ensuring regular bicycle maintenance. The findings highlight that single-bicycle crashes are not limited to novice riders and suggest that increased emphasis on these specific crash types is essential for reducing overall cycling injury rates.

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Topics

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• motorcycle crash typology
• vru crash typology
• cyclist safety
• in depth crash investigation
• incidence prevalence
• crash typology

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes