Who is afraid of more bicycle use?

This paper considers the effect of cycle paths on the safety of a road. Studies are described which appear to indicate that roads without cycle paths have fewer accidents than roads with cycle paths. Characteristics of the roads and accident figures with cycles and mopeds and without cycles and mopeds are examined. A number of explanations are suggested. Intersections and the beginning and end of cycle paths are frequently the location of accidents. Cycle paths are also located on the busiest routes. It is also possible that accidents involving cyclists are reduced but those involving other traffic increase.