How can we make our roads safer for our cyclists? Helmet-cam captures bike accidents could assist.
One method is to analyse the last few seconds before a cycling crash occurs. Finding out what happens in those final seconds was the main objective of this study of cyclists’ experiences on Melbourne roads using a compact video camera. Helmet-cam captures bike accidents.
CYCLING IN AUSTRALIA: Every year, dozens of cyclists are killed and thousands are injured while riding on Australian roads.
Statistics such as these, coupled with all-too-frequent horror stories about big-city riding, have made cycling an unappealing prospect for many.
In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 people found unsafe road conditions to be the single largest deterrent for would-be cyclists.
So how can we make our roads safer for our cyclists?
One method is to analyse the last few seconds before a cycling crash occurs. Finding out what happens in those final seconds was the main objective of my recent study of cyclists’ experiences on Melbourne roads.
In my study, a compact video camera was attached to the helmets of commuter cyclists, recording their trips to and from work for a four-week period. The footage captured the cyclists’ point-of-view as they rode along, and what they saw when they turned their heads, including:
- vehicles to their right
- vehicles parked to their left
- distractions, such as signs, shop fronts and people they perved on.