The risks of using a phone while cycling were studied from literature and using theory. The relative risk of being in a road crash while using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone is around 4 for car drivers. We expect the relative risk of the use of a hands-free mobile phone while cycling to be less profound. Cyclists have more time to process information and more opportunities to pace the cycling task. Most victims of bicycle accidents are people above 55 years of age who use their phone seldom while cycling. The risks of using a handheld mobile phone while cycling and while driving are assumed to be at the same level. Cycling with one hand may give rise to stability problems and accidents. The hypothesized effects of using hands-free and handheld cell phones need to be tested in future research. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting