Road Cyclists Research Articles

Assessing justice in sustainable mobility transitions: narratives from transport policies in Jakarta

ABSTRACT Despite the recent growing concern for justice in the sustainable mobility transition, individuals’ experiences of injustice remain inadvertently neglected in favour of maximising the common good for society. As a result, identifying and assessing injustices remain elusive and tricky to operationalise into actionable policy. This article proposes an analytic and evaluation framework for capturing different narratives of injustice resulting from three transport policies aiming for a sustainable mobility transition in Jakarta: (1) traffic restriction policy, (2) integrated public transport, and (3) improvement of walking and cycling infrastructures. Using content analysis of news media to identify how these policies are perceived by and affect various segments of the population, our findings revealed that a broader scope of injustice is experienced by the low-income populace, including those with ‘forced’ motorcycle ownership and captive public transport users. These individualised injustices can result from policies aiming to improve the overall transport condition, claiming sustainable mobility values. Further, our proposed framework highlights shortcomings of current urban and transport planning assessments, which tend to quantify how justice ought to be distributed. The article concludes with policy insights to address transport injustices in Jakarta and other growing Asian metropolises facing a widening socio-economic inequality.

Peddling stories: an investigation of the day-to-day realties for cyclists in Galway

Towns and cities worldwide are challenging the dominance of private cars and seeking ways to limit their use, compelled by the urgency to deal with the climate crisis. There is a growing determination to transition to more active and sustainable transport such as walking, cycling, and public transport, and to reduce our overall need for private car use in urban areas while improving public health and local environs. Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise and mobility option that can assist attempts to reduce private car use, cut harmful emissions, and moderate economically damaging traffic congestion in towns and cities. Cycling also offers numerous health and well-being benefits. But in towns and cities where cycling is constrained, marginalised, or ignored by transport planners, little is known about who is cycling, for what purpose, where they are cycling to and from, and their motivation to cycle. In recent times efforts have been made to improve the cycling infrastructure and better promote this mode of travel in Galway, a small city on the West coast of Ireland. This study investigates the experiences of cyclists in the city with data collected from individuals of differing ages and cycling abilities and advocates cycling continues to be marginalised and neglected in the context of implementing transport policy in the city. The findings indicate that most cyclists feel unsafe, and a prevailing car-centric policy mindset prevents cycling from developing to its potential in Galway to the detriment of the local environment, citizens' health, and new economic opportunities.

Exercise expectation changes psychophysiological responses to sprint exercise regardless of changes in pacing and performance

ABSTRACT Deception of exercise-related may influence pacing, performance and psychophysiological responses to continuous exercise, but little is known about such effects on sprint exercises. Most sports modalities are intermittent in nature, so the present study verified if sprint exercise expectation deceived by false information influenced pacing strategy, performance and psychophysiological responses to sprint exercise bouts. We hypothesised that pacing and performance would be based on affective valence in this deception study. Eleven road cyclists performed two sprint interval training (SIT) sessions in counterbalanced order. In one session, we deceived participants by informing them they would perform a more physiologically challenging exercise bout (MDDE) when compared with the control session (CON). Psychophysiological variables such as oxygen uptake, lactate, heart rate (HR), feeling scale, felt arousal scale and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were sampled during or after each sprint in SIT protocols. We observed no effect on pacing and performance assessed as power output, regardless of the worsened affective valence in the MDEE session. Furthermore, null effects were detected in most psychophysiological variables, with the exception of HR and affective valence. Performance in both SIT conditions was strongly correlated with affective valence and RPE. These results challenged the role of affective valence on pacing regulation and performance in sprint exercises.

“Beyond the Finish Line” the Epidemiology of Injury and Illness in Professional Cycling: Insights from a Year-Long Prospective Study

Introduction: Injury and illness rates within cycling are a growing concern for riders, medical personnel, and event organisers. This study is the first to document injury and illness rates in professional cyclists throughout one competitive season including training and racing. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 47 professional cyclists (30 males and 17 females) over the 2024 season (1 November 2023–31 October 2024). Injuries and illnesses were defined and recorded following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) consensus guidelines for injury reporting in sports and its cycling-specific extension. Data collection utilised a centralised online hub, integrating exposure metrics (e.g., training hours and kilometres) and medical records. All data were processed on a Macintosh computer using the Microsoft Office and R statistics packages epi tools, binom.test function, and ggplot. (V.4.3.2, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Ethical approval was obtained from Queens University Belfast, number MHLS 23_175. Results: Fifty-five injury events were logged, with 1.15 (±0.359) locations injured per incidence and 1.57 (±1.06) injury types per incident. The overall combined injury rate for racing was 4.14 (95% CI: 2.65–5.79) per 1000 h of exposure, with the overall combined rate for training being 1.23 (95% CI: 0.8–1.7) per 1000 h. The injury risk ratio (RR) for injury during racing and training for females was 11.10 (95% CI: 2.69–37.60), and the RR for males was 10.24 (95% CI: 3.84–43.06), both indicating there is a significantly higher risk of injury during racing compared to training. Abrasions were the most common injury type, with fractures being the most burdensome injury. The most common illness was upper respiratory, 0.63 (95% CI: 0.27–0.99) per year for males and 1.11 (95% CI: 0.64–1.59) per year for females. Saddle sores were the second most common at 0.20 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.36) per year for males and 0.08 (95% CI: 0–0.18) per year for females. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive, season-long surveillance data for injuries and illnesses in male and female professional road cycling, highlighting the significant differences in injury profiles between racing and training. These results underscore the need for targeted injury prevention strategies and the establishment of a standardised injury and illness framework for professional cycling.

International Perspectives on Skid Resistance Requirements for Pavement Markings: A Comprehensive Synthesis and Analysis

Pavement (or road) markings play an important role in road safety, influencing the dynamics of road users through their skid resistance properties. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis and analysis of international perspectives on the skid resistance of pavement markings and their requirements. It examines marking skid test results across various regions, including North America, Europe, and other parts of the world, and emphasizes the impact of different materials and test environments on skid resistance. The study also reviews current skid resistance standards and guidelines, from North American state-level standards to European and global specifications. Furthermore, it discusses the safety implications of these standards for diverse road users, especially motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. In conclusion, this paper highlights the importance of further innovation and consistency in skid resistance testing and standards to improve road safety.

Spinal Alignment and Pain: An Assessment of Amateur Road Cyclists—A Pilot Study

Background: Cycling involves specific body positions that, when maintained for prolonged periods, may affect spinal curvature and increase the risk of pain-related issues. This study aimed to evaluate sagittal spinal curvatures, the prevalence of pain in spinal segments, and their interrelation among amateur road cyclists. Methoods: The research included 30 male participants aged 18–48 years. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Laitinen scale, while spinal curvature was evaluated with an electronic inclinometer. Results: Results showed no statistically significant differences in spinal curvature angles between cyclists with and without pain complaints (p = 0.056). However, tendencies were noted, such as higher mean VAS scores for lower back pain (4.90) compared to neck pain (3.38), and variations in parameters like Beta, LL, and KGP. Conclusions: While the findings did not confirm clear distinctions, they suggest trends indicating potential links between spinal curvatures and pain occurrence. These results underscore the importance of further studies involving larger cohorts to verify these observations and explore the biomechanical adaptations associated with amateur cycling. Insights from such research could inform strategies for preventing and managing spinal pain among cyclists.

Transcending Transit Deserts: Participatory Design of Interactive Bicycling Advocacy Tools in an American City

Recent HCI research has focused on developing interactive technologies for cyclists and using technology to promote this activity. However, the community-building and advocacy aspects of cycling remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we explored the integration of urban cycling and participatory technology design to address transportation inequities and promote cycling advocacy in a US city characterized by infrastructural and social disparities. We engaged with nine bicycling advocates from five organizations in Baltimore, USA in participatory design activities to understand their motivations for promoting cycling in urban areas and how interactive technology can aid in creating a cyclist-friendly city. Along with the various practical motivations, we found the participants also promote cycling with a desire to challenge historical discriminatory practices and infrastructural inequalities and as a means of community building and identity expression. We identify three interconnected directions for future change: supporting ancillary bicycle infrastructure and DIY repair practices, changing perceptions through community engagement, and using technology to support community awareness and inclusion. We argue cycling can be a tool for resistance and identity shaping in this context, and participatory design can offer innovative directions for urban designers, policymakers, and system designers to strengthen efforts toward creating inclusive and equitable urban environments.

Mitigating unintentional injury deaths in sport and recreation: insights from 14 years of coroner recommendations in Québec, Canada.

Unintentional injury deaths in sport and recreation represent a significant public health concern. This study analysed coronial recommendations related to such deaths, focusing on case specifics and recurring themes from January 2006 to December 2019. This mixed-methods study used data from the Bureau du coroner du Québec. Reports with recommendations were analysed by sex, age group, context, mechanism and activity. A four-phase thematic analysis was conducted to emphasise the developed themes and connect them with the existing literature. Of 1937 coronial reports reviewed, 13.3% (n=258) contained at least one recommendation, totalling 609 recommendations (31 per 100 activity-related deaths). Reports were more likely to contain at least one recommendation for women (20.3%, p=0.0004), paediatric populations (≤5 years: 30.3%, p<0.0001; 6-11 years: 29.3%, p=0.0003; 12-17 years: 27.6%, p<0.0001), and organised events (55.0%, p<0.0001), despite most deaths occurring among men, adults and during unstructured events. All-terrain vehicle and snowmobile activities showed significantly lower rates of reports with recommendations (8.1%, p=0.0008 and 8.6%, p=0.0044, respectively). Most frequently addressed themes were Development, inspection and modification of bicycle infrastructure for cycling and Lake and river safety measures for swimming. Conflict with other types of users was the top theme for land motorsports, while Personal flotation device use was the most common for navigation activities. Patterns from reports with recommendations will be shared with the Bureau du Coroner du Québec to improve coronial practices. Integrating recurrent themes and recommendations with activity-specific risk factors will help identify critical patterns and inform preventive measures holistically.

Assessing ambient temperature measurements in road cycling races

The impact of heat stress on sports performance is a highly relevant topic. Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, play a significant role in determining athletic performance. Cycling computers are commonly used in road cycling to capture various data, including temperature. However, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of accurately measuring ambient temperature. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Garmin Edge 830 cycling computers in measuring ambient temperature during road cycling competitions. We analyzed temperature data collected by 12 different cycling computers. We focused on assessing these devices’ reliability and validity compared to measurements obtained from an official meteorological station. The interclass correlation coefficient between the devices was 0.468 (95% CI: 0.254 to 0.626; p &lt; 0.001). The temperature readings exhibited a significant variability across the different devices. Furthermore, when comparing the data with the readings from the meteorological station, there was no agreement, as indicated by a Lin's Concordance Coefficient (LCC) of 0.398 and a Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) of 8.87%. This research raises concerns regarding the reliability and validity of cycling computer devices for measuring ambient temperature.

An examination of public perspectives on cycle infrastructure projects: An Irish case study

Increasing levels of everyday cycling has many benefits for both individuals and for cities. Reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality and safer spaces for all vulnerable road users are among the significant benefits for urban developments. Despite this, public opposition to cycling infrastructure is common, particularly when it involves reprioritising road space for cycles instead of vehicles. The purpose of the research was to examine various stakeholders’ perspectives on proposed cycle infrastructure projects. This study utilised an innovative data collection approach through detailed content analysis of 322 public consultation submissions on a proposed active travel scheme in Limerick City, Ireland. By categorising submissions into support, opposition, and proposals, the study reveals the nuanced public perceptions that influence behavioural adaptation and acceptance of sustainable transport infrastructure. Supportive submissions, which outnumbered opposition-related submissions by approximately 2:1, emphasised the need for dedicated cycling infrastructure, enhanced cyclist safety, and potential improvements in environmental conditions. In contrast, opposition submissions focused on concerns over car parking removal, decreased accessibility for residents, and safety issues for vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. Proposal submissions suggested design modifications, including enhanced safety features, provisions for convenient car parking, and alternative cycle routes. This paper highlights the value of structured public consultation data in uncovering behavioural determinants and barriers to cycling infrastructure adoption, offering policymakers essential insights into managing public opposition and fostering support. The methodology demonstrates how qualitative data from consultations can be effectively used to inform policy by capturing community-specific needs and enhancing the design of sustainable urban mobility systems. These findings underscore the need for innovative, inclusive data collection methods that reveal public sentiment, facilitating evidence-based transport policies that support climate-neutral mobility.

Gender, Weather, and Time of Day: Active Travel Observations in Greater Sydney

This paper examines how weather and time of day affect the way males and females use walking and cycling infrastructure in Sydney, Australia. Using observational data from three dedicated walking and cycling paths, the results show that more males than females engaged in walking and cycling, with cycling showing a greater gender disparity. While active travel volumes were influenced by weather and time of day, no significant gender differences were observed in how these factors affected the number of active travel users.

Problems with Implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility in Selected Polish Cities

The concepts of sustainable development and later sustainable mobility were used as principal ideas to formulate transport policies for Polish cities since the early 1990s. This paper aims to review the implementation of these policies over the past 30 years. It presents changes and developments in urban transport systems in selected Polish cities, together with shifts in the travel behavior of their residents. A major factor contributing to the increase in car travel is the growing rate of motorization. The current state of urban transport subsystems—including public transport, road networks, parking, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure—is examined. Additionally, related issues such as spatial planning, road safety, and air pollution are discussed. Although most city councils have adopted sustainable mobility policies, their implementation remains unsatisfactory. The paper concludes with insights from nearly three decades of experience, highlighting obstacles that hinder the achievement of intended goals, such as the lack of national legislation and guidance on sustainable urban mobility planning and limited political backing. However, two recently adopted national strategic documents offer hope for progress in addressing sustainable mobility challenges.

Context-Aware QoE for Mobility-Driven Applications Through Dynamic Surveys

The integration of outdoor smartphone applications with fitness trackers has introduced new opportunities and challenges for user interaction, particularly in mobility-driven activities. While these innovations offer significant benefits, they also pose challenges due to the many factors influencing the user’s quality of experience. Traditional methods of assessing user experiences, such as offline surveys and static questionnaires, often fail to capture the dynamic nature of outdoor activities. This research proposes a novel Quality of Experience (QoE) methodology for mobile applications to enhance the assessment of user experiences in cycling. Focusing on a use case in Blekinge, Sweden, where residents were encouraged to adopt cycling for daily transportation, we extracted land cover data and developed a server-side workflow for bicycle path segmentation. By incorporating dynamic surveys that adapt to users’ real-time experiences, we aim to generate a more accurate and context-aware dataset. This study makes several key contributions: First, it presents a scalable method for bicycle path segmentation; second, it demonstrates the utility and benefits of land cover data extraction; and finally, it evaluates the effectiveness of QoE influence factors through user surveys based on real-world cyclist feedback. This approach is expected to enhance the planning and development of cycling infrastructure by providing urban planners and stakeholders with valuable user insights using adaptable surveys based on route segmentation.

The e-biking in Switzerland (EBIS) study: methods and dataset

AbstractThis article presents the EBIS (e-Biking in Switzerland) study, including its methodology, the resulting dataset, and an initial descriptive analysis of the population surveyed. The EBIS study is a Switzerland-wide GPS-tracking study with the aim of investigating the scope of carbon savings in the transport sector due to e-biking. Participants consisted of cyclists and e-bikers across the French- and German-speaking regions of Switzerland. In addition to extensive GPS tracking, the study included a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on transport pricing’s role in substituting e-bike trips for car trips, a retrospective survey on mode shift, and a stated preference survey on cycling infrastructure preferences. We here report participant attrition and engagement rates and compare the EBIS population to the 2021 Swiss Mobility and Transport Microcensus (MTMC) in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and travel behavior. In doing so, we present a unique dataset of 3,940 participants, 324 thousand user-days of tracking data, and over half a million stages by bike or e-bike.

Involving Infrastructure as a Latent Variable in Active Transportation Mode Choice: The Case Study of Baghdad City

Infrastructural developments have been implemented with the objective of promoting active transportation as a sustainable transportation mode, including the construction of cycling and walking routes and the improvement of existing infrastructure. The impact of this factor on ridership has been a subject of research, and the incorporation of this variable into mode choice models has also been contemplated. Nevertheless, road users’ perception regarding the utilization of these infrastructures has yet to be investigated. Accordingly, this research aims to examine the role of infrastructure provision for walking and cycling as a Latent Variable (LV) in the transport mode choice of high school students in Baghdad City, where this subject has not been previously addressed. A self-designed questionnaire was employed to collect the requisite data. The Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) models have been designed and the results demonstrate that the time and cost of trips have a significant impact on the choice of transportation mode. Furthermore, the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure has a notable effect on the choice of walking and cycling for transport. The sub-models indicate that the provision of cycling fences and pedestrian bridges are the most significant variables. Consequently, it is recommended that these results be considered in the provision and improvement of cycling and walking infrastructures to promote active transportation.

Leveraging AI in Traffic Engineering to Enhance Bicycle Mobility in Urban Areas

More With the rise of AI-driven technologies, urban cycling is becoming more accessible and appealing to many due to benefits such as health improvement and cost efficiency. Governments worldwide are promoting cycling as a sustainable transportation option to address environmental challenges. Ensuring seamless bicycle mobility in cities is essential to incentivize cycling. AI-powered Traffic Engineering can significantly enhance the flow of bicycle traffic in urban areas by optimizing infrastructure and safety. This article explores the benefits of cycling and the rationale for investing in AI-integrated cycling infrastructure. It provides examples of smart solutions such as AI-based vehicle-cycle segregation (including London's Cycle Superhighways), protected intersections enhanced by machine learning algorithms, and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) that incorporate AI for dynamic traffic management. Their implementation and impact on cyclists and overall traffic flow are analyzed, demonstrating that these advanced systems reduce accidents, boost road efficiency, and make cycling more enjoyable. Quantitative data on these improvements is also presented. In conclusion, AI-enabled Traffic Engineering solutions play a vital role in enhancing bicycle mobility and safety in urban environments.

How do cyclists experience a context-aware prototype warning system? Assessing perceived safety, perception and riding behaviour changes through a field study

The number of bicycle crashes is increasing in many European countries. In the Netherlands, a country well-known for its high-quality cycling infrastructure and cycling culture, bicycle crashes are also increasing, especially for e-bike users. Smart bicycle technologies, such as safety warning support systems, could contribute to reducing crash risk for cyclists. However, perceived safety and trust in these technologies are determinant factors in accepting and using such technologies. This study investigated users’ perceived safety, perceived trust, and perceived performance with a context-aware prototype warning system to support cyclists in the real world. In addition, it investigated users’ riding behaviour changes when receiving warnings in high crash risk locations by collecting GPS data. The above were evaluated through a field trial experiment using three rides per participant, with the first one serving as a control ride and a follow-up questionnaire after each ride conducted in Enschede, the Netherlands, between April and May 2024, with a sample of 46 participants. Results show that participants’ perceived safety and trust increased after they tried out the prototype warning system. In addition, it was found that warning systems positively influence participants’ riding behaviour, since they reduced their speed. This study proves the potential benefits of smart bicycle technologies in improving cyclists’ safety.

Safety and bicycle route choice – To what extent does accident risk and perceived safety influence bicycle route choice?

Safety is a major issue in bicycle traffic and understanding safety-related factors that influence bicycle route choice is crucial for improving safety and promoting sustainable transportation. However, there is a notable lack of research on the impact of accident risk and perceived safety on cyclists' route choice. This study addresses this gap by investigating whether accident-prone areas or perceived insecure locations affect actual route choice decisions. The contribution explores this relationship by leveraging an extensive dataset comprising approximately 4,000 trips from around 170 participants, alongside additional data on infrastructure, operations, exposure, accidents, and mobility diaries on critical incidents. The findings broadly confirm the results from other studies regarding the influence of route characteristics (e.g., existence of cycling infrastructure, traffic volumes of motorized traffic, or presence of signal-controlled intersections). Moreover, the study reveals that a high accident risk along a route does have a slight negative influence on route choice. Surprisingly, perceived safety does not significantly influence route choice of cyclists.

Sustainable Urban mobility: Lessons from European Cities

The rising urgency of climate change and rapid urbanization has compelled cities worldwide to prioritize sustainable urban mobility. This article explores the innovative strategies implemented by leading European cities—such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna—in fostering sustainable transport solutions, including dedicated cycling infrastructure, car-free zones, and integrated public transport systems. By examining these cities' comprehensive approaches to urban planning, policy frameworks, and public engagement, this article highlights the key factors contributing to their success in reducing emissions, enhancing urban liveability, and shifting public behaviour toward sustainable modes of transport. Through a comparative analysis of these cities’ approaches, the study aims to offer actionable insights for global cities seeking to adopt similar sustainable mobility practices. In conclusion, the article discusses the critical role of policy support, infrastructure investment, and community involvement in making urban mobility more sustainable, equitable, and accessible, emphasizing the scalability of European models for cities around the world.

Interactions among cyclists riding the wrong way on the bicycle path

Cycling in the opposite direction can lead to many critical interaction situations and sometimes to severe crashes among cyclists. Unfortunately, no official statistics are kept of such situations in Germany. Since the number of cyclists increases in many locations in Germany faster than the cycling infrastructure improves, we can expect more of such dangerous situations in the near future. To reduce their number and severity and to develop realistic simulation models, it is essentially important to understand, how cyclists interact with each other in this particular scenario of wrong-way cycling and what consequences result for safety and cycling behaviour. This paper presents methodology and descriptive results of a traffic observation study at a signalled urban intersection in Braunschweig, Germany, with separated bicycle and footpaths. At this instrumented intersection, road user trajectories were recorded and analysed with regard to identify interactions between normal and wrong-way cyclists, and to find behavioural patterns. It appeared that several different behavioural patterns, for instance switching from bicycle path to footpath, occurred, speeds of wrong-way cyclists were slower. The distances before switching appeared to be different in some of the patterns while in others they appeared to be similar.