HIGH RATE OF CRASHES AT ROUNDABOUTS INVOLVING CYCLISTS CAN BE REDUCED WITH CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CONFLICT PATHS

Abstract

Victoria has a high rate of cyclist involvement in crashes at roundabouts (whole state-24%; inner suburban-49%). Many researchers have identified that cyclists circulating on the outer edge or in circulating bicycle lanes may contribute to crashes. The predominant crash type is entering drivers striking circulating cyclists. Video research and post-crash interviews have suggested the relevance of the ―looked but failed to see‖ (LBFTS) phenomenon, where drivers look towards cyclists (or motor-cyclists) but do not see them. All 2005-2009 crashes at roundabouts in Victoria are analysed based on crash type and region. 82% were entering-circulating crashes -consistent with the findings of others.