Study highlights potential for safer cycling in the DACH region
Comments Off on Study highlights potential for safer cycling in the DACH regionSource: SAZ BIKE
A recent cross-border study conducted in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland has investigated methods to enhance cycling safety in confined spaces.
The research, undertaken as part of the Radbest project, focused on the overtaking distance of motor vehicles when passing cyclists, revealing significant disparities in adherence to prescribed safety measures.
Measuring overtaking distances
The study employed specialized bicycles fitted with multiple sensors to measure the lateral distance maintained by motor vehicles during overtaking maneuvers. Over 7,000 instances of overtaking were analyzed across the three countries. While Germany and Austria mandate a minimum overtaking distance of 1.5 meters, Switzerland lacks such a regulation. The findings indicate that, despite existing laws in Germany and Austria, cyclists are frequently overtaken with insufficient space. In Switzerland, where no minimum distance is enforced, the prescribed safe distance was even more frequently undercut.
Perceived danger and cycling behavior
The study’s findings suggest that inadequate overtaking distances contribute to a widespread perception of cycling as unsafe, which discourages many individuals from using bicycles as a primary means of transport. Survey responses from cyclists using the test routes highlighted that a significant portion of the population views cycling as a risky activity. Notably, the statement “Cycling on the road requires courage” found stronger agreement among Swiss respondents compared to their German and Austrian counterparts, reflecting a heightened sense of vulnerability among cyclists in Switzerland.
Proposed safety measures
Given the challenges of ensuring cyclist safety in constrained urban environments, the Radbest researchers emphasize that there is no single optimal solution. Instead, they recommend a tailored approach based on specific spatial limitations. One proposed measure involves the introduction of narrow core lanes with wide bike lanes on both sides. However, the study also cautions that roads featuring two-sided cycling lanes without a central guiding line tend to result in significantly more close passes by vehicles.
As an additional safety measure, the researchers advocate for the clear marking of designated cycling spaces and the enforcement of a speed limit of 30 km/h in areas with limited road width. These measures, they argue, could help mitigate the risks associated with cycling in confined spaces and encourage more people to consider bicycles as a viable and safe mode of transportation.
The Radbest study underscores the necessity of continued efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and regulations across the DACH region. By addressing safety concerns, policymakers can foster a more inclusive and cyclist-friendly transport environment, potentially increasing bicycle usage and promoting sustainable urban mobility.
