SYDNEY, Australia – Cycling fatalities in Australia have shown a slight decrease overall, according to recent analysis. However, a concerning trend has emerged with an increase in fatalities involving single riders and older individuals. Studies conducted by scientists from UNSW Sydney have revealed that cycling deaths have decreased by an average of 1.1% annually over the past three decades. Despite this overall improvement, fatalities among those aged 60 and over have risen by 3.3% annually during the same period.
The research, published in the journal Injury Prevention, highlights a significant increase in single-vehicle cycling deaths. Fatal accidents involving cyclists riding alone have seen an annual increase of 3.7% for all age groups and 4.4% for those aged 60 and older. Lead author of the study, Associate Professor Soufiane Boufous, underscores the contrasting trends in cycling fatalities between different age groups, emphasizing the rise in single-vehicle fatalities among older individuals.
By analyzing national cycling fatalities reported between 1991 and 2022, the researchers found a 3.5% annual decrease in mortality rates per 1,000,000 for cyclists under 60 years. In contrast, deaths among cyclists over 60 have increased by 0.5% annually. A/Prof. Boufous attributes the increase in cycling fatalities among older individuals to the aging population rather than a surge in cycling participation, emphasizing the need for better data on cycling demographics.
The proportion of cyclist fatalities among individuals over 60 years old has surged from 8.6% in 1991 to 45.7% in 2022. A/Prof. Boufous points out that older cyclists are more vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries in accidents due to their frailty. Moreover, older riders may underestimate the risks of severe injuries from single-bicycle crashes, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about these dangers.
In examining trends in older cyclist deaths by crash type, the study reveals a substantial increase in fatalities following single-vehicle crashes compared to multiple-vehicle accidents. This trend mirrors observations in several European countries where cycling is more prevalent. The rise in fatal single-vehicle accidents is possibly linked to the growing availability of dedicated cycling infrastructure in recent years.
However, the quality of cycling facilities is a crucial factor in ensuring the safety of cyclists. Professor Jake Olivier, co-author of the study, emphasizes that poorly maintained cycling lanes can force cyclists onto dangerous roads, increasing the risk of severe injuries. A/Prof. Boufous adds that disconnected cycling networks and inadequate infrastructure pose significant safety challenges for riders, underscoring the need for better-designed and maintained cycling facilities.
Safety concerns associated with sharing the road with motorists remain a top barrier for potential cyclists. Many individuals continue to cycle despite suboptimal conditions, but the researchers stress the importance of improving infrastructure to encourage more frequent cycling. Governments are urged to collect more data on cycling participation rates to facilitate better planning and address safety concerns, ultimately promoting cycling for environmental, health, and well-being benefits.