MRP

2021; Pearson et al., 2022) This evidence
of excessive heat – local officials and built
Safety is cited more often as a concern
the bicycles down and eventually stops
points to a need for a diverse approach
environment professionals can ensure that
by women bicyclists than males. (Bopp
them once inside the Dismount Zone.
to implementing bicycle infrastructure
all residents have safe, comfortable cycle
et al., 2012; Heesch et al., 2012) According
(Texas A&M University, 2018) Prioritising the
networks in American suburbs, as simply
infrastructure.
to Garrard, Crawford, & Hackman (2006),
reduction of toxic interactions between
placing down bicycle lanes does not directly
sexual harassment was reported by women
cars, bicyclists, micromobility users, and
correlate with increased ridership.
Safety
at a rate of 25 times more than males.
pedestrians can increase safety and reduce
A vast array of safety issues and concerns
Additionally, bicycling is more public in
concerns associated with the barrier.
Even with robust cycle infrastructure, heat
serve as barriers to existing and potential
nature than driving, making the activity
can deter older demographics because of
cyclists around the world. Safety is also
more susceptible to physical, verbal, and
According to a survey by Boufous et al.
their increased susceptibility to the effects
commonly the most cited barrier to
sexual abuse from motorists. (Higgins &
(2021) on older cyclists in New South Wales,
of intense heat and sunshine and increased
bicycling. (Higgins & Ahern, 2021; Manaugh
Ahern, 2021) While the root of this issue
Australia, the majority of those surveyed
likelihood of immobility. However, even with
et al., 2016) Toxic interactions with motorists
won’t simply be resolved by fully separating
indicated that safety concerns related
potential deterrents like excessive heat,
and incompatible levels of traffic, high
bicyclists from motorists, there is potential
to interactions with motorists and cars
rain, snow, or other extreme weather, some
speeds, and the lack of adequate and
to decrease these toxic interactions
were among their top barriers to cycling.
research indicates that older demographics
separated infrastructure, specifically,
and provide safer environments for
Specifically, issues like lack of separation
who maintain active lifestyles fare better
are commonly cited as safety barriers to
active travellers by providing exclusive
between motorists and cyclists, motorist
in the heat, thus benefitting the case for
cycling. (Boufous et al., 2021; Pearson et al.,
infrastructure for those using bicycles.
aggression, and traffic speeds were among
better active travel infrastructure in the
2022) Moreover, cyclists generally prefer
the most cited safety concerns. Notably,
United States and elsewhere. (Schuster et
separation from motorists over riding on
While interactions between motorists
however, when asked what factors might
al., 2017) Ensuring that active travellers are
shared roadways. (Buehler & Dill, 2016) This
and bicyclists or pedestrians are the most
encourage them to cycle more, respondents
shaded and kept comfortable throughout
concern extends beyond the act of bicycling
dangerous, the interactions between
cited better modal separation, better
their journey can assist young people,
as well, with concerns over adequate, safe
bicyclists and pedestrians are also
cultural attitudes towards cycling, and
adults, and the elderly in maintaining a
bicycling parking adding to perceived
important in understanding the barriers to
better cycle infrastructure. (Boufous et al.,
base level of comfort in extreme heat.
and actual barriers. (Vietinghoff, 2021;
cycling and other active travel methods. At
2021)
Pearson et al., 2022) These concerns can
Texas A&M University, “Dismount Zones”
The existing literature precisely points to the
be mitigated with a mix of investments
have been implemented where large
In addition to the elderly, children are more
importance of a broad and comprehensive
into high-quality infrastructure, facilities,
numbers of bicyclists and pedestrians cross
prone to the effects and consequences of
approach to the implementation
and incentive policies – like bicycle signals,
paths. Users of the Veo Ride bikeshare
intense heat than adults. (Sun et al., 2021)
of successful bicycle infrastructure.
bike boxes, and bicycle-specific phases at
program are required to dismount their
They are also less aware of the dangers of
By designing adequately for these
intersections. (Buehler & Dill, 2016)
bicycles and walk, reinforced by the
excessive heat exposure and are more at-
environments – particularly in the context
university’s technology system that slows
risk of experiencing problems like heat
stroke.
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