In Japan, bicyclists account for approximately 10% of all the victims killed in traffic accidents annually. This indicates that, in addition to accidents involving pedestrians, attention should be paid to these involving bicyclists. This study compares the behavior of bicyclists and pedestrians struck laterally by cars. Comparison is made based on accident analysis and computer simulations with MADYMO. Europe is moving toward enacting legislation regarding pedestrian head protection testing. This study also attempted to determine whether the same effects may be obtained with respect to head protection for bicyclists. (Author/publisher)
Abstract