“Them or Us”: Perceptions, cognitions, emotions, and overt behavior associated with cyclists and motorists sharing the road

Abstract

In emerging cycling regions, cyclists and motorists share the road due to cycling infrastructure scarcity. This study investigates the chain of stimuli, cognition, emotion, and behavior associated with the road-sharing experience through the thematic analysis of talk-backs posted in response to news items related to cyclist–motorist crashes. Results show: (a) cycling infrastructure scarcity and perceived road use rights trigger emotional stress; (b) motorists and cyclists perceive the road-sharing experience as life-threatening and experience anxiety, anger, and fear; (c) drivers' coping strategies are confrontational, problem-solving, and social-support seeking, while cyclists' coping strategies are avoidance, confrontational, and problem-solving.