Improving Cyclist Safety: Understanding the Relationship Between Road Infrastructure and Passing Distance

Cycling-related injury rates are on the rise. As the majority of on-road cycling crashes involve interactions with motor vehicles, there is a need for greater understanding of factors that result in unsafe interactons, particularly unsafe passing events between motor vehicles and cyclists. Through the use of a purpose-built and independently calibrated ultrasonic device, this study aims to quantify passing distance and to assess whether passing distance is affected by specific types of road infrastructure. An on-road observational study is currently underway in Victoria that aims to address these knowledge gaps and improve cyclist safety.