This paper describes the results of an analysis study into fatal accidents occurring in France from 1 March 1990 to 28 February 1991. The study analyses the data of 378 cyclists who had fallen victim to these accidents in great detail. The statistical files of both the gendarmerie and municipal police are used. The objective was to identify the population groups exposed to the fatal cycle accident risk, as a function of their age, sex, journey type, and accident type. It is concluded that cyclists are involved in less than 2% of the fatal road accidents in France. The paper briefly describes preventive measures in order to improve the cyclist safety. Important measures include: (1) the layout improvement of intersections in order to reduce the speed differences between road users; (2) the creation and layout modification of cycle lanes and tracks; (3) the promotion of more bicycle helmet wearing; (4) the encouragement of equipping bicycles with rear view mirrors for elderly people; and (5) the obligatory use of reflector bands at night.
Abstract