Investigation of cycling characteristics in tourist and metropolitan traffic

Abstract

Nowadays cycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation. Many international policy objectives emphasize the movement of cyclists and increasing their safety. One of the key tools to relieve injuries is to wear a cycling helmet. Although surveys have been conducted in Hungary in the past to determine the proportion of cycling helmets, these surveys have focused more on local, small samples.
Aim: Survey of cycling characteristics (mainly the use of cycling helmets) at several locations, identification of typical behaviour patterns.
Methodology: Recording of various data of 500-500 cyclists in 4 tourist and 4 metropolitan locations nationwide. Evaluate the data from multiple perspectives.
Findings: Aggregate data show that regardless of whether people ride bicycles in tourist or metropolitan locations, the rate of cycling helmet wear is low. The rate of correct helmet use was 38.3% for tourist sites (n = 756) and 11.6% for large cities (n = 232). Overall, 24.9% (n = 988) of the measured cyclists wore their helmets correctly. Based on the results, the location, gender and age of cyclists influenced helmet use. Higher helmet wearing rates are measured for men and children.
Value: The findings of the survey highlight that the use of cycling helmets by cyclists is influenced by several factors. By using the data, it is possible to alleviate the outcome of cycling accidents and injuries to cyclists.