Tag Archive: safety

1. Cycling-related facial injuries do not vary between e-bikes and conventional bicycles

   21/11/2022 16:17 Comments Off on Cycling-related facial injuries do not vary between e-bikes and conventional bicycles

   Source: Fietsberaad.nl

   As the usage of both e-bikes and conventional bikes increases, so does the number of bicycle-related injuries. New research explores whether e-bikes hold a larger share of facial injuries after an incident.

   Researchers at the Groningen University Medical Centre explored the nature of cycling-related facial injuries (maxillofacial fractures) and whether there are differences between those experienced by e-bike users or regular cyclists. The recently released paper will assist in emergency room injury treatment.

   311 patients were examined across 4 hospitals for the presence and severity of injury between May 2018 and October 2012. Of these patients, 73 were riders of e-bikes, and a range of other factors such as age and alcohol consumption were taken into consideration. In the sample, it appeared that e-bike riders more often suffered fractures to the centre of the face, while jaw fractures and serious dental injuries were more common for conventional cyclists.

   However, when results were corrected in line with additional factors, the conclusion was that patient-specific characteristics, such as age, alcohol use, and comorbidities (the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions), may have a greater influence on a rider sustaining maxillofacial fractures than the type of bicycle ridden.

   Based on the results, the researchers see reason to promote the use of bicycle helmets among the elderly and vulnerable cyclists, because it has been proven that their use reduces head injuries and has a protective effect against facial injuries and fractures.

   

2. Forest in Aarhus, Denmark, implements ‘RopeLight’ infrastructure

   03/10/2022 15:51 Comments Off on Forest in Aarhus, Denmark, implements ‘RopeLight’ infrastructure

   Source: Fietsberaad

   RopeLight is a continuous LED light strip that lines the forest’s cycle path, installed as part of the BITS project to improve safety and offer a new cycling experience.

   In the Aarhus location, the installation of regular street lights would have been difficult, leading to a poorly-lit route. The newly installed RopeLight infrastructure guides the cyclist on the path through the forest in the dark hours.

   The LEDs’ color schemes can be altered according to the season or to highlight events and other initiatives. Creators of RopeLight hope that this will add a level of excitement when traveling the route. Additionally, the LEDs can be dimmed to ensure a light level that allows cyclists to benefit from the solution while not being overwhelmed by the light.

   BITS is a four-year project within the European Interreg, in which several countries work together to increase bicycle use and safety through ITS applications.

   

3. The local governance of micromobility – Paris case study

   12/09/2022 15:58 Comments Off on The local governance of micromobility – Paris case study

   Source: Eltis, H. Figg

   Europe’s main observatory on urban mobility, Eltis, releases write-up on the role of local authorities in planning and managing rapidly growing new mobility services

   The case study of Paris explores how action was taken after the swift introduction of free-floating e-scooter fleets and increased personal ownership, including the introduction of a Code of Good Conduct while awaiting a legal framework.

   Of key interest is the 18-month period that could be considered a ‘legal vacuum’, in which e-scooters were not subject to the Highway Code, and the National Law on Mobility (LOM) was stalled as it awaited approval by the French government.

   Paris’ governing body acted to create a working group for all e-scooter stakeholders, inviting operators of the devices to sign a Code of Good Conduct before the end of May 2019. From here, any new operator of e-scooters in the region was invited to join the group to discuss the use of rental e-scooters in public spaces.

   The Code of Good Conduct provided guiding principles and paved the way for good public-private collaboration. Operators were encouraged to work on a deployment strategy that respects other users, with the main aspects of the Code covering:

   • Parking and riding rules
   • Operators’ commitments regarding safety and security
   • Respect for other users, particularly people with disabilities
   • Relationship with the city authorities
   • Use of e-scooters in line with sustainability priorities of the city.

   Stress was placed on the need to ensure pedestrian comfort and safety while awaiting national legislation. Paris is a leading example of local governance and public-private cooperation. Other similar cities are increasingly deciding to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing the offer and operations of new mobility services.

   In a landscape where cities are experiencing a transport transformation in many forms, a well-regulated and integrated urban mobility policy will ensure a smooth transition that is a success for all users of public space and road systems.

   Using Paris as a case study, transport planners may observe both successes and challenges in adapting to unfolding technological advances. Read the full Eltis write-up, which includes additional context, results, transferability, and opportunities for development, here.

   

4. THOR AVAS launches pedestrian safety survey

   26/08/2022 13:26 Comments Off on THOR AVAS launches pedestrian safety survey

   LEVA-EU member THOR AVAS conducts research to improve road and pedestrian safety. The recently launched survey takes no more than 5 minutes and will aid in deepening the understanding of acoustic safety in relation to LEVs.

   Access the survey, here.

   “Please join us and together we will understand how to make the environment more comfortable and safer.” – THOR AVAS

   

5. New German portal showcases the subjective safety of bicycle paths

   22/08/2022 17:29 Comments Off on New German portal showcases the subjective safety of bicycle paths

   Source: Fietsberaad

   The web-portal highlights what infrastructure should look like if it is to be experienced as ‘safe’ by the rider. The portal will act as a point of reference for future developments.

   The new portal allows the comparison of 1,700 cycling scenarios and infrastructure solutions. Data is based on an online survey of approximately 22,000 participants and 400,000 reviews.

   A cycle path that is experienced as safe by a rider increases the chance of use, and so the goal of the portal is to ensure paths feel safe; safe development will convince more individuals to consider cycling. Of course, the perception of safety is subjective, hence the study method.

   The cycle path check aims to visualize this subjective aspect. In the online database, 1,779 different embodiments for bicycle infrastructure have been identified with filter options to choose from. These include, for example, marking, presence of parking, separate bicycle paths, whether car-free, etc.

   The German Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Traffic funded the website, which was developed by FixMyCity as part of the national bicycle traffic plan. Visit the new portal here.

   

6. New Brussels-specific e-scooter rules add stricter measures than those governing the country as a whole

   17:20 Comments Off on New Brussels-specific e-scooter rules add stricter measures than those governing the country as a whole

   Source: Eltis, M. Modijefsky

   As of July 1, 2022, new federal laws for the use of e-scooters in Belgium came into place. In the Brussels Capital Region, even stricter measures have been implemented to protect pedestrians. The changes are part of an effort to address concerns over road safety and hindrance linked to the increasing use of e-scooters.

   To address the concerns over e-scooter safety new regulation was required. Georges Gilkinet, Federal Minister of Mobility, explained: “The world has changed and so has our mobility. The electric scooter is now part of our daily life. But with the increase in the number of accidents, sometimes with serious consequences, it was necessary to react. New rules will come into effect from 1 July to better protect scooter users and other road users. Let’s strive together for more safety and fewer accidents on our roads. All For Zero”.

   The new rules:

   The new rules mean that users of e-scooters, or any other micromobility transport method, will be assimilated to cyclists. In effect, riding on sidewalks or in pedestrianized areas is no longer permitted. In situations where permitted, speed must be reduced to 5km/h and pedestrians have right of way.

   Additionally, a minimum age requirement of 16 years has been introduced, and riding e-scooters with two or more passengers is prohibited. Alongside these changes, new guidance for e-scooter parking has been introduced, including signage for designated parking destinations, non-parking zones, and laws against obstruction of the sidewalk.

   Additional rules in Brussels:

   The new rules have also been welcomed in the Brussels-Capital Region. At the same time, the Region has introduced additional rules on the use of e-scooters. Elke Van den Brandt, Brussels Minister of Mobility, added: “Electric scooters are a convenient way to get around, as long as they do not hinder pedestrians and people with reduced mobility. That is too often the case now. Thousands of these shared scooters appeared on our streets and it is high time for stricter regulation. In addition to the federal rules, the Brussels-Capital Region decided to automatically limit the speed of scooters in pedestrian zones and to limit the number of scooters per operator.”

   Specifically, e-scooters in pedestrianized zones are now limited to 8km/h, while across the entirety of the region, the top speed is limited to 20km/h. For comparison, the general top speed limitation of e-scooters in Europe is 25km/h.

   Bart Dhondt, Mobility Councillor of the City of Brussels, stated: “Parents, their children, and people with mobility problems no longer felt comfortable in the pedestrian zone. By ensuring that the shared-use e-scooters can only travel at a walking pace, the pedestrian zone will once again become a space for everyone.”

   

7. The SUMP Topic Guide on safe use of micromobility devices in urban areas is now available in French

   15:46 Comments Off on The SUMP Topic Guide on safe use of micromobility devices in urban areas is now available in French

   Source: Eltis, H. Figg

   Micromobility has the potential to revolutionize city living but brings new challenges. As the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMP) Topic Guide produced by Eltis becomes available in additional languages, its message can reach further and promote ‘Vision Zero’.

   “The Topic Guide is part of a compendium of EU guidance documents, complementing the revised second edition of the SUMP Guidelines. It proposes best practices and key recommendations on the integration of micromobility in urban mobility planning, with the goal to support cities in achieving a safer use of micromobility devices in urban areas. It should also support the European Commission in delivering Action 22 of the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. It focuses on shared electrically powered personal mobility devices such as e-scooters and provides some guidance on how the users of these vehicles interact with the users of bicycles and electric power-assisted cycles (EPACs), as well as pedestrians and other road users.

   The Topic Guide also provides recommendations on integrating micromobility into the ‘Vision Zero’ approach to mobility and planning, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. It highlights the need to urgently integrate e-scooters into cities’ Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), but also into Vision Zero Safety Plans and other relevant plans such as urban development plans.”

   The Topic Guide can be accessed in English, here. Other guides and alternate language editions can be found here.

   

8. UK Government launches new investigative branch for traffic incidents, including those related to e-scooters

   11/07/2022 15:20 Comments Off on UK Government launches new investigative branch for traffic incidents, including those related to e-scooters

   Source: Micromobilitybiz, A. Ballinger

   The Road Safety Investigation Branch (RSIB) has been established to provide insight into incidents occurring on the UK’s roads

   A specialized team of inspectors will aid in making the streets safer while advising on how new technologies can be implemented across the road system.

   The RSIB will monitor all electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as the safety trends of e-scooters. From here, UK ministers and police will obtain independent safety recommendations that may influence the future of road safety policy.

   Roads minister Baroness Vere shared, “The UK may have some of the safest roads in the world, but tragedies still happen and any injury or death on our road network is one too many. That’s why we’re establishing the road safety investigation branch, so we can boost safety for road-users even further and also bring safety measures in line with other modes of transport and the future of travel.”

   Until now, the UK road network has lacked such an independent body; air, rail, and maritime networks all have long had established investigative branches. The Department for Transport plans to include the launch of the RSIB in the upcoming Transport Bill, which will also create a new vehicle category for electric scooters, paving the way for the legalization of private-use e-scooters on public roads.

   Read the Gov.UK announcement here.

   

9. UK government advised to consider new private e-scooter legislation

   04/04/2022 12:40 Comments Off on UK government advised to consider new private e-scooter legislation

   Source: European Transport Safety Council

   European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) member, PACTS, has set out recommendations for private e-scooter use in the UK if the vehicles are to become legal. This includes mandatory helmet use and a minimum rider age of 16. Recommendations were based on a nine-month research project.

   At present, e-scooter use in the UK is limited to city-specific rental schemes. Private usage is restricted to private land, despite this over a million such vehicles have entered the UK in recent years and it is not uncommon to see them in a public setting. Many users are either ignorant of or ignore the ban on public use and face fines or confiscation.

   Following its research, PACTS has published a comprehensive report looking at many aspects of e-scooter design and use which took into account research and experience from across the rest of Europe, where e-scooters are legal in most countries. This is seen by PACTS as the ideal legal scenario in which to launch private e-scooter ownership in the UK. Recommendations are as follows:

   • Maximum possible top speed of between 10mph-12.5mph (16-20km/h)
   • Maximum continuous rated motor power 250 W
   • Anti-tampering mechanisms should be included in the construction. Tampering should be prohibited by law
   • A maximum unladen weight of 20kg
   • A minimum front wheel size of 12 inches (30.5cm) and minimum rear wheel size of 10 inches (25.5cm)
   • Two independently controlled braking devices
   • Lighting to be mandatory at all times
   • An audible warning device to be mandatory
   • Helmet wearing to be mandatory
   • Rider age limit of at least 16 years
   • Riding on the pavement to be prohibited
   • Carrying of a passenger to be prohibited
   • Drink driving, dangerous or careless riding, and mobile phone use to be prohibited
   • In-person rider training recommended
   • e-scooters should be regulated as motor vehicles
   • Public liability insurance for riders recommended
   • The rider should inform the police if there is a collision involving an injury 

   

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