Is Cycling Safe? Using Mental Mapping to Unpack Perceptions of Cycling Safety

Cycling is the most energy efficient mode of transport and modal shift can bring extensive environmental, health and economic benefits. Despite this, only 2% of the Irish population cycle to work, school or college. Research has highlighted safety concerns as the major barrier, with negative perceptions of safety as well as concrete safety risks impeding the growth of cycling. Overcoming such negative perceptions could increase cyclist numbers and consequently improve cyclist safety. Key steps to achieving this is a) the identification and removal of actual hazards for cyclists and b) targeted work on improving safety perceptions among current and future cyclists. This study of cycling conditions in Galway City combines mental mapping, road data and a questionnaire survey to identify the determinants of perceived safety and danger among cyclists. Respondents were asked to draw their regular cycling routes, colouring each route segment according to cycling safety. This was followed by a questionnaire survey of preferences for cycling infrastructure and road characteristics among cyclists. Road data including traffic volumes, road widths and locations of collisions complemented the survey and maps. Mental maps and questionnaires were analysed and correlated with road data to identify the road characteristics that are, or are perceived as, unsafe for cyclists. It was found that the major determinants of cycling safety concerns are related to traffic (number and speed of vehicles passing) and infrastructure (presence of roundabouts, road lane width, adjacent car parking). A ranking system for cycling routes was developed which could be used to allay perceptions of danger and prioritise certain infrastructural improvements for cyclists. The paper concludes that further research is needed on the use of online tools to engage cyclists and the general public on the safety and quality of infrastructure and feed into ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ cycling policy responses. MANTON, RAU, CLIFFORD AND FAHY: Cycling safety & mental mapping 5-6th September, Trinity College Dublin Proceedings of the ITRN2013