Cyclists in the traffic circle do not let themselves be pushed away
Traffic circles still pose a great risk of accidents for cyclists. There is a risk of being overlooked by motorists. As a study by Suva, the city of Lucerne and Swisstraffic shows, cyclists tend to be pushed out of the correct lane when traffic volumes are low.
A bicycle is involved in every third accident at a traffic traffic circle. However, the bicycle is the main cause in only four percent of accidents. Against this background, Suva launched a pilot study last year in collaboration with the city of Lucerne and Swisstraffic.
The study showed that passenger cars are more likely to push bicycles away than trucks. If, on the other hand, two bicycles are riding behind each other, an imitation effect can be observed: For example, if the bicycle in front is riding correctly, the bicycle behind will follow it through the traffic circle in the middle of the lane. However, the reverse is also true.
Different driving behavior on different days of the week
The evaluation of the pilot study further shows that on Mondays a particularly large number of bicycles ride through the traffic circle correctly in the middle of the lane. The other days of the week also show a similar picture. On weekends, it is noticeable that the bicycles ride less correctly through the traffic circle.
The time of day also plays a role: "The measurements show that cyclists tend to ride more in the middle in the early morning and in the evening than at other times of the day," Andrea Lenz, Suva's cycling expert, was quoted as saying in a statement.
Conclusion: All road users are required in a traffic circle situation with the entries, exits and passages so that no collisions can occur. The bicycle clearly has its place in the middle of the lane: "Ride your bicycle in the middle of the traffic circle, make yourself visible with clear hand signals as early as possible before the planned exit and, above all, do not allow yourself to be squeezed out - these are the most important rules of conduct," Lenz confirms.
Source: Suva
