Traffic conflicts involving speed-pedelecs (fast electric bicycles): A naturalistic riding study

Speed-pedelecs -fast electric bicycles offering pedal support up to a speed of 45 km/h- are recent, environmentally friendly, and mobility efficient innovation. However, their high travel may increase crash injury risk. Due recent introduction accurate data not available yet. Since near-crashes serve as proxy for crashes this study analyzed traffic conflicts (i.e., minor crashes) in the Netherlands with aim proactively identify potential partners, patterns, risk increasing factors. To end, twenty-eight participants used speed-pedelec daily traffic, equipped forward backward facing camera, two three consecutive weeks. In total 227 h video footage which distance 6584 km was travelled, 115 were identified 114 evasive actions performed avert crash, one crash. The most frequent conflict partner (51 %), followed successively by cars vans (28 pedestrians (12 powered two-wheelers (5 %) animals (3 %). One truck. With conventional bicycles, occurred crossing maneuvers (36 when bicycle travelling same direction Also, vans, (63 case-cohort analyses characteristics randomly selected moments participant identified, showed risks be if: (1) or proximity but substantially higher than (OR = 43.28, 95 % CI [16.85−111.17] OR 22.43, [7.59−66.28] respectively), (2) speed-pedelecs overtook other road users mostly 17.25, [7.58−39.24]), (3) travelled on facilities (both legally illegally) 1.81, [1.08−3.03]), (4) rode near at an intersection, 3.94, [2.42−6.43]. These findings suggest that riders make use they ride roadway cars. consequences motorized vehicles will probably more severe cycle path. This further illustrates value naturalistic observations assessing safety implications innovations proactively.