Truck-bicycle safety: an overview of methods of study, risk factors and research needs

Abstract

The growing numbers of cyclists either injured or killed in accidents caused by trucks have been generally regarded as a safety problem since the 1980s (McCarthy & Gilbert, Accident Analysis & Prevention 28:275–279, 1996). Indeed, in several countries, cyclists killed by a truck represent almost 30% of all cycling fatalities (Pokorny et al., Transportation Research Procedia, 25, 2017). Whilst increasing attention has been paid to this topic by road safety researchers, a scoping review of the current research has been lacking. The aim of this paper is therefore to present a scoping review of the research literature related specifically to truck-bicycle safety, including both safety analysis and measures. Out of the 1,530 documents initially identified in the first phase of this search, 43 were selected for the final analysis. The review outlines the prevailing topics studied and research methods utilized for exploring these topics. Furthermore, findings regarding accident risk factors are summarised, as the information they provide presents us with a key for implementing more efficient safety measures. Additionally, suggestions for future research needs are identified.