Urban Transportation Systems Planning

Road safety knowledge

of bicyclists
Mini Group Projects (Autumn 2024)

Under Supervision of

Prof . Bhargab Maitra

Presented by -

Silambarasan (24ID60R32)
Arghya Mohanta 23ID60R31
Anshul Singh (24ID90J02)
rends of Bicycle Ownership in India

• In India, household bicycle ownership is observed to

rise at a marginal rate of 3% per annum as
compared to two-wheelers and cars during 2001 and
2011.

• Bicycle ownership in India was about 84 million in

2001, and this value has increased by only 27 million
in 2011. In 2012, bicycle ownership was 45% in rural
India in contrast to 96% in China. This trend is
attributed to the fact that, in emerging economies
such as India, the bicycle is mostly used by captive
riders due to financial constraints.

• The level of ownership of bicycles in most Indian

cities has also decreased from 2001 to 2011
Source : Pandit, D., & Sharma, D. (2022). Bicycling Infrastructure Design
for Indian Cities and Emerging Economies. Springer.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

ccidents of Bicycle Users in India

• The annual ‘Road Accidents in India’ report released

by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
enumerates road crash fatalities of various road user
categories including bicycle users. There have been a
total of 11,367 deaths of bicycle users in road
crashes from 2020-2022.

• The report also reveals All categories except 'bicycles'

registered an Increase number of accidents and
fatalities in 2022 over 2021.

• A study found that cyclists in India are 30 times

more likely to die in road accidents than those
traveling in cars.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 1- Bicycle regulations standards

Bicycle safety knowledge

2-Safety guidelines for cyclists

3-Infrastructure for Bicycles

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

Bicycle Regulations Standards

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

icycle regulations standards
Vehicle Regulations for Bicycles (As per ISI standards )
(1) Brakes: IS 10613:2014 –
Braking Systems: Bicycles must have at least two independently actuated braking
systems, one for the front and one for the rear wheel .
Brake Lever Grip Dimensions: The distance between the brake lever and the handlebar
must not exceed 90 mm for bicycles with a saddle height of 700 mm or more, and 75
mm for others .

(2) Reflectors and Lighting:

• Red rear reflectors for visibility from behind.
• White front lights to illuminate the path ahead.
• Red rear lights to alert others of the cyclist's presence.

(3) Tyres : ISI standard IS 2415:2004: Tyres must provide adequate grip and
durability to prevent accidents caused by tyre failure.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

icycle regulations standards
Vehicle Regulations for Bicycles (As per ISI standards )

(4) Mudguards: Mudguards are recommended to prevent mud and water

from splashing onto the cyclist, ensuring visibility and comfort while riding.

(5) Handlebars:
• Angle and Dimensions: The steering head angle should be between 65°
and 75° for safe handling. Bars should resist flexing forces during load
testing.
• Strength Test: When tested with a force of 1,000 N, the handlebars should
not exhibit fractures
• Grip Security: Handgrips or plugs should be securely fastened to prevent
them from slipping off during use, ensuring rider safety during normal
cycling and handling

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 Safety guidelines for cyclists
(Traffic Regulations for cyclists )

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

afety guidelines for cyclists
(1) Wear a Helmet : IS 10613:2014 –
Helmets are the most effective way to prevent head injuries in accidents. Choose a helmet that fits snugly on your
head and meets safety standards like IS 4151 in India. Helmets should cover the forehead, not tilt back, and the chin
strap should be secure but not too tight. Always replace a helmet after a crash, even if there are no visible cracks.

(2) Use Proper Lights and Reflectors :

• Visibility is crucial when cycling, especially during low-light conditions or at night. Every bicycle should be
equipped with:
• Reflectors: Red reflectors on the rear, white or yellow reflectors on the front, and pedal reflectors make you
visible from multiple angles.
• Reflective gear: Wearing reflective vests, jackets, or armbands can also improve visibility.

(3) Check Brakes Regularly

(4) Stay Visible -

Cyclists are often less visible than motor vehicles, which makes it essential to wear bright clothing, especially during
the day, and reflective clothing at night. Reflective jackets or accessories ensure that drivers can spot you from a
distance, especially in foggy or low-light conditions.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

afety guidelines for cyclists
(5) Use Hand Signals - Hand signals are critical for communicating your movements to other road
users, especially motorists. Always signal These signals help ensure vehicles and pedestrians understand
your movements, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
• Right turn: Extend your right arm straight out.
• Stopping: Drop your left or right arm, bent at the elbow with the palm facing backward.

(6) Avoid Busy or Restricted Roads

Avoid cycling on busy highways, expressways, or other roads where cycling is prohibited. These roads are
designed for fast-moving traffic, and cyclists can pose a significant risk both to themselves and to motor
vehicle drivers. Look for alternative routes with dedicated cycling infrastructure.

(7) Regular Bicycle Maintenance

Keep your bicycle in good working condition by regularly checking the tyres, brakes, chain, and gears.
Proper maintenance prevents mechanical failures on the road, which could lead to accidents or leave you
stranded. Conduct routine inspections before every ride to ensure everything is functioning properly.

(8) Avoid Busy or Restricted Roads

Avoid cycling on busy highways, expressways, or other roads where cycling is prohibited. These roads are
designed for fast-moving traffic, and cyclists can pose a significant risk both to themselves and to motor
vehicle drivers. Look for alternative routes with dedicated cycling infrastructure.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

afety guidelines for cyclists
(9) Avoid Distractions
Never use your phone while riding, and avoid wearing headphones, as they can reduce your ability to hear
approaching traffic. Distractions can slow your reaction time and prevent you from hearing important cues, like
car horns or sirens.

(10) Maintain a Safe Distance

•Keep a 3 to 4-second gap between your bicycle and the vehicle in front to allow for safe braking.
•Increase distance at higher speeds or in bad weather for more reaction time.
•Avoid riding in blind spots of large vehicles like trucks and buses.
•Stay alert for sudden stops in traffic and keep your hands close to the brakes for quick response.

(11) Keep Both Hands on the Handlebars

•Always use both hands on the handlebars for better control and balance, except when signaling.
•Use one hand only when giving a signal, and return both hands to the handlebars immediately after.
•Avoid distractions or carrying items that force you to remove a hand from the handlebars.

(12) Always Ride on the Correct Side

•Never ride on the wrong side of the road; always stay on the left (in India) and follow traffic flow.
•Avoid crossing the road abruptly. Use designated crossings or wait for a safe gap in traffic to cross.
•Following this rule reduces the risk of head-on collisions and ensures predictable behavior for other road users.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 Bike Lane Signs

Turning Vehicles Share the Road Reserved Bicycle Bicycle Route

Yield to Bicycles Lane Ahead

Contraflow Bicycle
Single File Lane Crossing Reserved Bike Lane
Source : https://www.newmarket.ca/

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 Infrastructure for Bicycles

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

eparate Linear Infrastructure
(1) Cycle track
A cycle track is a reserved space specifically for cyclists and provided along a road. The track is
physically (vegetation, fence, curb, …) separated from vehicle travel lanes, parking lanes and
sidewalks. Cycle tracks can be either one-way or two-way, on one or both sides of a road.

(2) Cycle lane

A cycle lane is a legally reserved driving space for cyclists on the road, separated from motor traffic by
marking.

(3) Combined cycle-pedestrian track

A combined cycle-pedestrian track is a reserved space (one- or two-way) for cyclists and
pedestrians provided along a road. The track is either mixed cycle-pedestrian allowing
both cyclists and pedestrians to use its full width, or separated cycle-pedestrian with a
visual separation (marking) or differentiation (pavement) between the two groups of users
on the same track.

(4) Greenway
Greenways are connecting trails, used for non-motorised traffic. Greenways are normaly
bi-directional.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

Mixed Linear Infrastructure
(1) Suggested cycle lane
Technically and legally an advisory lane is not a cycle lane at all. A part of the carriageway is
marked as a suggested space for cyclists, without being exclusively reserved for their use.

(2) Cycle street

A cycle street is a road designed that cyclists dominate visually and motorised traffic is tolerated
exceptionally (e.g. for residents), if it is allowed at all. .

(3) Central traffic lane

The carriageway is divided into one central lane for motor traffic and two side lanes for cyclists and
pedestrians. Motor traffic uses the lateral band only to pass or cross vehicles.

(4) Combined bus-cycle lane

A combined bus-cycle lane is facility where cyclists and buses share a reserved lane.

(5) Contra-flow cycling

Contra-flow cycling is when cyclists are allowed to ride against the flow of one-way streets

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

Point Infrastructure
(1) Cyclist signals
At crossroads comprising a cycle lane or a cycle track (for example), some signals are installed for
cyclists only. In some cases (e.g. in Denmark) an early green stage is included in the signal cycle
to release cyclists before motorists. In other cases, the signals are controlled so as to allow cyclists
to turn nearside during the red stage

(2) Advanced stop line

Stopline for cyclist (on a cycle track or cycle lane) placed some meters ahead of stopline for motor
vehicles in a signalised junction.

(3) Cycle box

This reserved space for cyclists makes them more visible on the approach to crossroads with
traffic signals.

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 Bike Lane Symbols

Crossrides ​ hevrons
C
(Elephant's feet) (Double Arrows)

Sharrow

Mixed Crossride ​Bicycle with a Diamond

Source : https://www.newmarket.ca/

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 Effectiveness in reducing deaths
and serious injuries of cyclists
Key measures Specific interventions Insufficient
Proven Promising evidence
Mandatory bicycle lights
Truck enhanced-mirror systems

Key measures

regulations
standards
Truck side guards

Bicycle
Vulnerable road user airbags

and specific Autonomous emergency braking

Bicycle helmet

interventions Bicycle helmet legislation

Enforcement of helmet wearing

Safety guidelines
Helmet standards
for preventing

for cyclists
Non-legislative strategies to
increase helmet wearing

cyclist deaths
Minimum passing distance law
Law banning mopeds from bicycle paths
Use of protective clothing

and serious Education and/or training of cyclists

Communication programmes
Reduce other vehicle travel speed to 30 km/h

injuries Segregated bike lanes with intersections

Off road, non-motorized transport shared paths
Infrastructure for Bicycles
On-road bicycle lanes
On-road shared bicycle boulevards
Wide shoulders
Bike box/advance stop line
Two-stage turn queue box
Bicycle signals at intersections
Raised bicycle crossings
Overpasses and underpasses
Traffic circles
Roundabouts
Bicycle network development
SourceStreet
: Cyclistlighting
safety An information resource for decision-makers and practitioners, WHO

Road safety knowledge of bicyclists Urban Transportation Systems Planning

 "Every time I see an
adult on a bicycle, I no
Thank you longer despair for the
future of the human
race." – H.G. Wells