Exploring safety-related behaviours of e-cyclists on urban streets; an observational study Article Swipe
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· 2021
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.48295/et.2021.85.2
· OA: W4205400442
E-bikes provide a potential for improving sustainable urban mobility. However, there are concerns of e-cycling related injury. In this study, observational surveys of e-bikes were conducted in Israeli cities to explore their presence and safety-related behaviours, at typical urban settings. The results showed that e-bike presence in urban traffic was similar to that of regular bicycles. Mean speeds of e-cyclists were higher than those of regular cyclists, by 5 km/h, on average, but were lower on sidewalks. E-bikes moved slower than vehicles on roadways but were faster than pedestrians on sidewalks. At intersections, 20% of e-cyclists crossed on red. In general, the study showed a mixed use of urban facilities by e-bikes, with heterogeneous traffic both on vehicle and pedestrian settings and multiple risk factors. For a safer integration of e-bikes in Israeli cities, a wider application of cycling infrastructure, with separation from sidewalks and roadways, is needed.
