This paper analyses 479 accidents of older cyclists in the Netherlands in 1991. These accidents were selected on: (1) age, divided into the following groups: 50-64 year-olds, 65-74 year-olds, and persons aged 75 and over; (2) sex; and (3) magnitude of the municipality, divided into less or greater than 50,000 inhabitants. It appeared that the passenger car was the most important collision type involved in the 479 accidents. These car-related accidents (63% of all the accidents) mainly occurred within built-up areas (50%), at junctions (19%), and at T junctions (15%). Most accidents at junctions and T junctions took place at sign controlled ones (25%). The difficulties experienced by older cyclists mainly relate with the manoeuvres of crossing or turning to the left at the junction. The paper describes the older cyclists' collisions with other cylists, moped riders, and heavy traffic. The accidents caused by an insufficient control of the bicycle during cycling are described in relationship with sex and age. The paper also describes how the traffic safety of older cyclists can be improved, for instance by encouraging safer traffic behaviour.
Abstract