This paper presents an analysis of cycling safety in Australia. Topics included are: • analysis of casualties by demographics • types of crash that result in cyclist injuries • recent trends in cycling participation. Cyclists comprise 3 per cent of all road fatalities and 15 per cent of all road hospitalisations. These proportions are higher today than five or ten years ago. Children (0—16 years) have the highest population-standardised rate of cycling hospitalisations. This is in contrast to vehicle occupant hospitalisations, which peak in both the young adulthood ages and in the older (65+) ages. Males are approximately four times more likely than females to be hospitalised following a cycling crash. For hospitalisations following any road crash, the male/female ratio is approximately 2:1. Around 85 per cent of reported cyclist casualty crashes involve another vehicle (mostly a light vehicle). Around 25 per cent of cyclist casualty crashes occur when two vehicles (including the cyclist) approach an intersection from perpendicular directions or from opposing directions. Other frequent crash types are side-swipes (14 per cent), collisions with vehicle doors (7 per cent) and rear-ends (6 per cent). Cyclist casualty crashes are heavily skewed towards the lower posted speed zones (50km/h and 60 km/h). Participation in cycling is increasing across many capital city commuting routes. However for overall cycling participation (transport and recreation), latest measures show flat or negative growth. (Author/publisher)
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