Dear All,
Have any of you come across any research or data on the proportion of cyclists or specific cyclist populations that do not use front-,back-, or either light during night time riding? Further, does anyone know of an investigation into the reasons of why people are riding without lights?
Best from Melbourne,
Felix Acker
Felix Acker
Research & Statistics Officer
Bicycle Victoria
Australia
Hi Felix,
While I've not seen any formal research about bicycle light use it is clear from my experience of bike counting at and after sunset that many cyclists are not taking conspicuity very seriously. A significant number have either front or rear light missing, though most commuters do use lighting and visible clothing. Battery maintenance is also an issue with some. The most visible to my eye often use two lights front and rear and use highly conspicuous clothing, be it flourescent yellow, white/very pale and or retroreflective material.
The couple of people whom I have spoken with about their not using lights have been living on very low budgets for many years and have found replacing lights became less of a priority than paying the rent or eating. One fellow told me he did not use the flourescent and retroreflective vest he owns for fear that the police will pick him up for his lack of lights! A cycling program has now supplied him with lights, rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger, which have changed his lighting behaviour.
Low self worth and personal disorganisation as well as lack of valuing both safety and road sharing seem also to contribute to lack of use of lights. Putting the lights on was a problem for one person: it often requires fine motor, spatial and problem solving skills so if a person who finds this difficult, and does not have a friend or relative to help, does not have the confidence to ask a shop for help they may not be able to install purchased equipment. Risk taking behaviour seems to be on the rise and there seems little disincentive in terms of police issuing fines as other policing issues are usually higher priority.
Susan Moss
Australia
Join over 15,000 subscribers who receive a free weekly newsletter from the founder of community-based social marketing, Dr. Doug McKenzie-Mohr.
Action Research offers a full range of community-based social marketing support services to agencies addressing health, safety, and environmental behaviors.
Hi Felix,
I am not sure this is relevant for you, but I live in Denmark and it is required by law to have bike lights (both in front and back) if you bike when it is dark. In fact, in the newspapers here they have the sunset/sunrise times along with the times you need to put the lights on your bike (also because the sunrise/sunset times differ so much between different parts of the year). Maybe you could find some information from a Danish source (although I don't know of any off hand).
Good luck-
Khara Grieger
khara grieger
Denmark