Cycling in Hungary assumed greater proportions in the 80s and provision of cycle lanes and cycle roads began. In 1990, the average number of bicycles per 1000 population was 500. In 1980 the number of accidents involving cyclists was 2556, 13.5% of total; in 1989 the corresponding figures were 3501 and 14.4%. The number of fatal accidents in 1989 was 309. The number serious injuries was 1459 and the number of slight injuries 1740. The fact that deaths and serious injuries amounted to 50% of all accidents to cyclists shows the high risk associated with cycling. The most frequent accident types are collisions with other vehicles travelling in the same direction and collisions with other vehicles which vehicles which are crossing or turning. Cycle roads may be combined with pedestrian footways, with or without pavement markings, or they may have an independent alignment. Cycle lanes may be provided on both sides of the road or only on one side for both directions. An account of observations made on a 6 km long bike road is also provided. It was found that the bike road was used by cyclists as well as by pedestrians, moped riders and motorcyclists. Furthermore, the cycle track begins and ends at, for cyclists, rather unattractive locations.
Abstract