Bicyclist Helmet Use and Distractions: An Observational Study on a Designated Urban Shared-Use Path

Distraction has been a behavior evaluated among drivers and more recently pedestrians but remains understudied among bicyclists. Demographic variables have often been used to differentiate those who are likely to be distracted. However, there are differing conclusions about demographic influences of distracted bicycling and even distraction’s relationship itself to bicycle safety. This study observed bicyclist distraction and safety behaviors, along with possible demographic factors that could predict these behaviors. The authors observed cyclists on the Elizabeth River Trail, a bicyclist/pedestrian shared trail that covers 10.5 miles of an urban area. During data collection, observers collected data about the direction the cyclist was traveling, if they were with children, if they were wearing a helmet, if a distraction was present, and the type of distraction, if applicable (e.g., hand-held use of mobile phones, wearing headphones, eating, drinking). Observers also recorded participants’ perceived sex and estimated age. Frequency analyses revealed that 55.4% of 426 cyclists were not helmeted and 30.0% were distracted. The most common distraction was wearing headphones (19.5% of total cyclists observed). No significant relationship was found between helmet use and distraction. Younger cyclists were more likely than older cyclists to not wear a helmet and be distracted. These findings show a high prevalence of behaviors that may impact safety on designated cycling paths. The significant number of cyclists without a helmet and being distracted should create concern for potential injury risks to bicyclists on trails being built within urban areas if those bicyclists were to crash.