Cyclists under threat: a survey of Oxford cyclists' perceptions of risk

Abstract

FIFTY regular cyclists in Oxford kept a diary over 14 days in early June 1992 and recorded 404 incidents which made them feel at risk. This constituted a rate of 0.9 incidents per cyclist per day of cycling. Fear was mostly induced by other road users. Cars were blamed in 45.3 per cent of the incidents, followed by buses (14.6 per cent), vans (8.4 per cent) and other cyclists (6.4 per cent). Buses make up less than 5 per cent of the city-centre traffic but were involved in 27 per cent of the incidents rated as 'moderately to ex tremely threatening' by the cyclists. Seventy-one per cent of the incidents took place in 'straight-ahead' situations with only 19 per cent at junctions and roundabouts. Perceived risk must be addressed if cycling is to be promoted for health reasons.