Behaviour of motorcyclists and bicyclists before and after a road safety campaign, China

Abstract

Objective To examine changes in red-light running and distracted riding among motorcyclists and cyclists before and after the 2020 implementation of the One Helmet, One Seatbelt campaign in China. Methods We obtained 192 hours of film before (2019) and after (2021) implementation of the campaign in eight road intersections in Changsha. We calculated percentages and ratios of red-light running and distracted riding. To assess the associations between these traffic behaviours and the campaign, we used multivariable logistic regression models to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Findings We filmed 5256 motorcyclists and cyclists in 2019 and 6269 in 2021. Red-light running decreased from 45.1% to 41.5% during this period (ratio: 0.92; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.88–0.96), while distracted riding increased from 3.5% to 5.0% (ratio: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19–1.69). After adjusting for covariates, male riders were more likely to run a red light compared to female riders (aOR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06–1.55). Red-light running was also more likely among electric bicycle riders (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10–1.95) and motorcyclists (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.13–1.90) compared to traditional cyclists. All types of riders were less prone to run a red light during peak hours than off-peak hours (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73–0.99). Distracted riding was more common on weekends compared to weekdays (aOR: 3.01; 95% CI: 2.02–4.49). Conclusion China’s national road safety campaign, which focuses on helmet and seatbelt use, was associated with reduced red-light running. Strict enforcement and targeted modifications could improve the campaign's effectiveness.