Cycling Anger Research Articles

Aggression of electric bike riders in China: comparisons of the Cycling Anger Expression Inventory toward drivers, pedestrians, and other riders

ABSTRACT Electric bikes (e-bikes) account for an unexpected proportion of traffic crash injuries and deaths in China. There is an urgent need to study the factors influencing the aggressive behaviours of e-bike riders and reduce their potential involvement in crashes. In addition, aggression varies when directed at different types of road users, particularly when expressed by vulnerable groups. This study aimed to validate the Cycling Anger Expression Inventory (CAX) for e-bikers and explore whether the expression of aggression in e-bikers differs depending on the recipients, such as drivers, pedestrians, or other riders. The analysis examined the aggression specificity of e-bikers by employing tests of measurement invariance (MI). These findings indicate that adaptive/constructive expression has emerged as a mainstream strategy for managing e-biker anger. E-bikers exhibited the highest levels of aggression toward drivers. These results provide a strong basis for the prevention and intervention of aggression and accidents among Chinese e-bikers.

What differentiates e-bike riders from conventional cyclists in Denmark? A user-based study

Among the many technology-related advances in two-wheeled mobility, the growing share of e-bikes stands out. Indeed, despite their increased cost and user-related constraints, e-bikes have gained ground in European cities over the last two decades. However, not much is known about the psychosocial and behavioural characteristics of e-bike users compared with conventional bike (c-bike) users. AimsTherefore, the aims of this study were: first, to explore differences between e-bike and c-bike users regarding individual features, cycling habits, and riding behaviour; and second, to identify individual characteristics, cycling habits, and behaviours predicting using an e-bike as the main cycling mode. MethodsThe study used data from 557 Danish cyclists aged over 18, proportionally distributed according to population data (13% e-bike and 87% c-bike users). The cyclists responded to an electronic survey on cycling affairs, addressing trip patterns, risk perception, cycling anger, distractions, and riding behaviours. ResultsOverall, no differences were found regarding personality, distractions, riding errors, or cycling anger. However, e-bike users self-reported significantly lower rates of traffic violations and higher rates of positive behaviours, traffic rule knowledge and road risk perception. Furthermore, structural (SEM) analyses suggest that e-bike riding can be predicted through demographic factors, psychosocial characteristics, and cycling behaviours. ConclusionThe results of this research provide insights into the characteristics and behaviours of e-bike and c-bike users in Denmark, indicating key differences between the two groups in relation to their demographic backgrounds and cycling habits. This underscores the importance of considering demographics, cycling habits, and psychosocial factors when studying and promoting the use of e-bikes.

Effects of individual characteristics on risky cycling behaviour, mediated by cycling anger experience and expression among Brussels and Flemish adult cyclists: Testing a mediated model

IntroductionAlthough risky cycling behaviour (RCB) has been systematically linked with trip-related factors, no previous research has simultaneously investigated the influence of cycling frequency, car use frequency and trait anger on it. Further, the idea that cycling anger experiences and expressions might mediate the relations between these constructs represents an interesting causal chain to explore. ObjectivesThe primary aim was to assess the relations between trait anger, cycling frequency and car use frequency as predictor variables, mediated by cycling anger experience and cycling anger expression on RCB among adult cyclists, while controlling for the effects of age and gender. A secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cycling anger experience and cycling anger expression on RCB, by means of a descriptive comparison of two surveys gathered before and during the second COVID-19 lockdown. MethodsA total of 1,346 participants in 2019 (‘before COVID-19 pandemic’) and 1,241 participants in 2020 (‘during lockdown’) filled in an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a Risky Cycling Behaviour (RCB) variable from the Cycling Behaviour Questionnaire (CBQ), the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS), the Cycling Anger Expression Inventory (CAX) and the Trait subscale of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). Because different participant samples were included in the 2019 and 2020 survey (independent observations), a two-group mediation model with cycling anger experience and expression as mediators was fitted. ResultsThe results from the 2019 and the 2020 cohort are relatively similar with significant direct effects between trait anger and RCB. At both periods, an indirect effect between trait anger and RCB was present through CAX. As compared to men, women tend to report less anger expression (CAX) while cycling in traffic, but experience (CAS) more anger. A small negative association indicated that older participants tended to report less RCB than younger participants. Both in 2019 and 2020, cycling frequency and car frequency showed no or only small direct and indirect effects on RCB. When comparing the 2019 with the 2020 cohorts, we found a stronger direct effect of trait anger on risky cycling behaviour in 2020 and a stronger indirect effect of trait anger on RCB, through anger expression (CAX). ConclusionsThese results underline the importance to teach cyclists to deal with their anger while cycling. Technics such as relaxation coping skills or a combination of relaxation and cognitive skills (mindfulness) were shown to be effective in cyclists and drivers of motor vehicles.

Self-reported anger among ordinary and delivery electric bike riders in China: A comparison based on the cycling anger scale

As vulnerable traffic participants, electric bike (EB) riders have suffered from high collision casualties in recent years. Road user anger has been shown to affect riding behavior and lead to traffic accidents. Besides, studies have highlighted that there may be differences in road user anger in driving different vehicles due to varying perceptions of the relative vulnerability of vehicle type characteristics (control performance and cognitive processes). However, current road user anger investigations for two-wheelers have focused mainly on conventional cyclists, and little attention has been paid to e-bike riders, especially with the emerging group of delivery e-bike (DEB) riders. This study aims to develop a Cycling Anger Scale (CAS) for EB riders based on the Cycling Anger Scale and explore the road user anger experienced by EB riders and the differences between ordinary and delivery EB riders. The survey was conducted in Nanjing, China, and collected from 281 Ordinary EB (OEB) riders and 268 DEB riders. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis are conducted to determine the revised four-factor structure of the 14-item CAS for EB. The results show that the scores of police interaction and cyclist interaction on the CAS subscales are significantly different between the OEB and DEB groups. The police interaction is the largest source of anger for both groups. Besides, the aggressive riding behaviors are significantly correlated with riding anger, which can be predicted by different aspects of riding anger for the two types of EB riders. This study provides a theoretical basis for designing intervention measures and safety education programs to enhance EB riders’ road safety.

Validation of the cycling anger scale in Singapore

Objectives Emotions can be dangerous companions in road traffic for vehicle drivers and cyclists in particular. It is therefore important to reliably assess emotions like anger in road traffic. The first objective of the present paper is to examine whether the cycling anger scale (CAS) can be used to assess Singaporean Cyclists’ anger experiences in traffic. In addition, it relates the cycling anger measure to similar constructs like driving anger (DAS), and the cyclists’ experiences of trait anger in general in order to further examine the validity of the CAS scale. Methods In an online survey, we distributed the English versions of the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS), the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and the Trait Anger Scale (TAS) to a sample of 116 cyclists from Singapore. We then analyzed the psychometric properties of the CAS. In addition, we correlated cyclists’ CAS ratings with their DAS ratings, TAS ratings, and demographic variables. Finally, we compared cycling anger ratings across cultures. Results With respect to the first objective, we found that the Cycling Anger Scale can be applied to cyclists from Singapore given very minor modifications. Regarding our second objective, we obtained substantial correlations between cycling anger experience, driving anger experience, and general anger experience. In addition, cyclists’ CAS ratings were related to their demographic variables but not to their self-reported aggressive cycling behavior. The cross-cultural comparison revealed that cyclists from Singapore experience less anger than cyclists from other cultures. Conclusions We conclude that we could show the validity of the CAS for cyclists from Singapore. Researchers and practitioners who are interested in safer cycling can apply the CAS in Singapore. In line with other studies, we also conclude that cycling anger experience is related to driving anger experience and general trait anger. However, cycling anger does not seem to be related to self-reported aggressive cycling.

The specificity of cyclists’ aggression; examination of the cycling anger expression inventory across different recipient road user groups

While cyclist aggression is relatively rare, it has been associated with increased crash risk. Previous measures of cyclist aggression have not taken into consideration who the recipient of the aggression may be; this is likely to differ across road user types. The aim of this study was to understand if cyclists’ aggression differs according to whether the recipient is a driver, pedestrian or another cyclist. To examine this, 1206 cyclists (males = 75 %; age range 18–80 years; M = 47.35 ± 11.81) completed the Cycling Anger Expression Inventory (CAX; Møller and Haustein, 2017) three times; once for each road user type. Respondents also provided information regarding their cycling anger tendencies. Open text responses regarding sources of, and responses to, anger were also sought. The measurement invariance of the three CAX models was examined to determine whether the items were interpreted in a similar manner for interactions with each road user type and to compare latent factor means. The results showed that verbal aggression was not the same across road users. However, adaptive constructive ways of dealing with anger were similar across the three types of recipients. Comparison of latent means showed that cyclists reported higher expressions of anger toward drivers than cyclists or pedestrians. Qualitative analysis of the text responses suggest this is due to the perceived risk posed by drivers combined with positive attitudes expressed towards sharing infrastructure with pedestrians and other cyclists. Based on these findings it was concluded that: i) the CAX might best be used with reference to drivers, rather than “road users”, and ii) while aggression in cyclists is rare, it is more common toward drivers than other road users.

Cycling anger in China: The relationship with gender roles, cycling-related experience, risky and aggressive riding

As vulnerable road users, cyclists are suffering from a disproportionate burden of crash injuries and fatalities. Road anger has been demonstrated as an important precursor of unsafe behaviors and crash-related outcomes for drivers. However, little attention has been paid to road anger experienced by cyclists and less is known about how cyclists’ road anger would impact their road safety, especially in middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS) in a Chinese sample, and to explore the road anger experienced by Chinese cyclists as well as international differences regarding cycling anger. A further aim was to investigate the relationship between cycling anger and cyclists’ demographics, gender roles, cycling-related experience, risky riding as well as aggressive riding. The survey was operated with an online questionnaire. A total of 442 cyclists were included in the final sample. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the original four-factor solution of the 14-item CAS. The overall cycling anger and anger levels in different situations reported by Chinese cyclists significantly differed from those of German and Australian cyclists. Cyclists with a stronger masculine identity reported a higher level of cycling anger, and those who cycled for over 20 km per week were less likely to be provoked by interactions with cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists who had been involved in crashes over the past three months reported a higher level of anger towards car interaction. Besides, both risky riding and aggressive riding were significantly correlated with cycling anger, and the two types of behaviors were predicted by different aspects of cycling anger. This study again demonstrates that the CAS is a reliable and valuable tool to measure cyclists’ road anger, and the results can aid in designing evidence-based interventions for cycling anger in China.

Personality and Behavioral Predictors of Cyclist Involvement in Crash-Related Conditions.

In recent years, the increasing rate of road crashes involving cyclists with a disproportionate overrepresentation in injury statistics has become a major concern in road safety and public health. However, much remains unknown about factors contributing to cyclists’ high crash rates, especially those related to personal characteristics. This study aims to explore the influence of cyclist personality traits and cycling behaviors on their road safety outcomes using a mediated model combining these constructs. A total of 628 cyclists completed an online questionnaire consisting of questions related to cycling anger, impulsiveness, normlessness, sensation seeking, risky cycling behaviors, and involvement in crash-related conditions in the past year. After the psychometric properties of the employed scales were examined, the relationships among the tested constructs were investigated using structural equation modeling. The results showed that cyclists’ crash risks were directly predicted by risky cycling behaviors and cycling anger, and the effects of cycling anger, impulsiveness, as well as normlessness on crash risks, were mediated by cycling behaviors. The current findings provide insight into the importance of personality traits in impacting cycling safety and could facilitate the development of evidence-based prevention and promotion strategies targeting cyclists in China.

German bike messengers’ experiences and expressions of cycling anger

Objective: The present study has 3 objectives: First, we wanted to examine whether the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS) applies to German professional bike messengers, because this scale was previously developed with nonprofessional cyclists in Germany. Second, we wanted to look at possible differences in cycling anger experience and expression between professional German bike messengers and nonprofessional German cyclists. Third, we explored whether cycling anger is somehow related to driving anger and general anger.Methods: We applied German versions of the CAS, the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) to a sample of 123 professional German bike messengers. Then we compared their ratings with the results of 421 nonprofessional German cyclists.Results: Regarding our first objective, results indicate that the CAS model fit is better for nonprofessional than for professional cyclists. However, the CAS in a slightly modified version can be used for professional cyclists as well. As for our second objective, we show that professional cyclists experience significantly less cycling anger than nonprofessional cyclists. However, bike messengers report more frequent aggressive cycling behaviors when angry, indicating a weaker link between trait anger while cycling and aggressive behavior among professionals. Thirdly, we found relations between cycling anger, driving anger, and general anger.Conclusions: We conclude that the CAS in its slightly modified 13-item version with the established 4 subscales produces an acceptable model fit and can be applied to professional German bike messengers for further research purposes or applied issues; for example, traffic education or self-awareness in terms of accident prevention behaviors. In addition, for professional cyclists, less anger does not result in less aggressive cycling behaviors. Subsequent research should explore the role of anger in behavioral regulation of cyclists’ unsafe cycling behaviors taking different levels of experience and professionalism into account in order to reduce adverse effects of anger on traffic safety.

What makes cyclists angry? The relationships between trait anger, interest in cycling and self-reported comfort levels

Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial amount of research showing the detrimental influence of trait driver anger on road safety. However, very few studies have investigated this phenomenon in more vulnerable road user groups, such as cyclists. This study administered the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS) to a sample of 636 active cyclists (who regularly ride on-road) to understand the situations that provoke anger in cyclists, and whether this anger differed according to their comfort levels with cycling. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis on the CAS showed that a four-factor solution fit the data. These were: (1) interactions with cars, (2) interactions with pedestrians, (3) interactions with other cyclists, and (4) police presence. The least anger provoking situations involved interactions with police. In contrast, the most anger provoking situations involved interactions with cars. This is likely to be due to the higher level of danger associated with collisions with motor vehicles for cyclists. Anger also differed according to levels of cycling confidence. Cyclists with higher levels of confidence generally reported lower levels of anger, particularly when interacting with cars and other cyclists. This study represents one of the few to use the CAS to measure cyclist anger and the findings align with previous applications of the CAS. Further research is warranted amongst a more diverse sample of cyclists to strengthen our understanding of cyclists’ behaviours.

Cyclists’ anger experiences in traffic: The Cycling Anger Scale

Research on emotions in road traffic has focused on car drivers rather than on cyclists. However, cyclists experience cycling anger and its consequences as vulnerable road users, i.e., without having a car-like protection zone around them. To address the issue of cycling anger, we suggest a psychological measure assessing cyclists’ anger experiences in traffic, the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS). This questionnaire assesses cyclists’ anger experiences in interaction with their cycling environment. A principal component analysis and a following confirmatory factor analyses with two different samples proposed a 14 items questionnaire solution with four subscales: police interaction, car interaction, cyclist interaction, and pedestrian interaction. Alpha reliabilities were acceptable to good. The CAS correlated significantly with the Driving Anger Scale (DAS) for car drivers and with the general State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) suggesting convergent validity. Additionally, we examined the relations between cycling anger, demographics, and self-reported cycling behavior. We conclude that the CAS provides a complementary efficient instrument for measuring cycling anger in road traffic.

Influences on anger in German urban cyclists

Previous research shows that anger and aggression among road users lead to maladjusted driving and a higher risk of accidents. Especially cyclists as vulnerable road users have a high risk of being injured if they are involved in accidents. This paper examines reasons for cycling anger in two studies. The first study aimed at identifying anger provoking events. Seventy-three cyclists were invited to discuss anger provoking events in a focus group setting. These events were rated regarding their anger intensity, clustered within focus groups, and aggregated across all groups. The first study revealed 208 unique cycling anger provoking events of varying anger intensity that were summarized in six clusters. The second study aimed at validating these anger provoking events, the ratings, and the clusters. Here, 129 participants were asked to complete a four-time point diary study (over the course of ten days), in which they registered all anger provoking events that they experienced while cycling. The results of this study validated most of the anger provoking events of the first study. Both studies show that most anger provoking events are related to conflicts between cyclists with other road users like car drivers and pedestrians. Moreover, conflicts with car drivers seem to cause stronger anger among cyclists than conflicts with other cyclists or pedestrians. Implications for further research and the planning of road infrastructure are discussed.

Cyclists' Anger As Determinant of Near Misses Involving Different Road Users.

Road anger constitutes one of the determinant factors related to safety outcomes (e.g., accidents, near misses). Although cyclists are considered vulnerable road users due to their relatively high rate of fatalities in traffic, previous research has solely focused on car drivers, and no study has yet investigated the effect of anger on cyclists’ safety outcomes. The present research aims to investigate, for the first time, the effects of cycling anger toward different types of road users on near misses involving such road users and near misses in general. Using a daily diary web-based questionnaire, we collected data about daily trips, bicycle use, near misses experienced, cyclist’s anger and demographic information from 254 Spanish cyclists. Poisson regression was used to assess the association of cycling anger with near misses, which is a count variable. No relationship was found between general cycling anger and near misses occurrence. Anger toward specific road users had different effects on the probability of near misses with different road users. Anger toward the interaction with car drivers increased the probability of near misses involving cyclists and pedestrians. Anger toward interaction with pedestrians was associated with higher probability of near misses with pedestrians. Anger toward cyclists exerted no effect on the probability of near misses with any road user (i.e., car drivers, cyclists or pedestrians), whereas anger toward the interactions with the police had a diminishing effect on the occurrence of near misses’ involving all types of road users. The present study demonstrated that the effect of road anger on safety outcomes among cyclists is different from that of motorists. Moreover, the target of anger played an important role on safety both for the cyclist and the specific road users. Possible explanations for these differences are based on the difference in status and power with motorists, as well as on the potential displaced aggression produced by the fear of retaliation by motorized vehicle users.