Assessment of factors influencing the severity of at-fault motor vehicle-bicycle crashes using structural equation modeling

Addressing the safety of cyclists as an active travel mode is of great importance worldwide. However, approximately 41,000 cyclists lose their lives annually on roads. Part of the reason for this is the rapid motorization of societies and transportation systems that often prioritize motor vehicle traffic needs over cyclists in urban planning, leading to serious consequences for cyclist safety. Since the type of accident can significantly impact accident severity, this study aims to address this issue as well. Using bicycle accident data from North Carolina, USA (2017-2019), structural equation models were constructed to identify the apparent and hidden factors influencing crash severity in motor vehicle at-fault accidents involving cyclists, proposing safety interventions accordingly. The results showed that among the defined latent variables, road characteristics had the most significant impact on bicycle crash severity. Variables influencing accident severity included road classification, speed limits, curved and steep paths, cyclists over 50 years old, drivers aged 18 to 25 and accidents occurring in darkness without lighting systems. Ultimately, it is hoped that safety measures such as dedicated bicycle paths, improving road lighting and driver education, especially considering vulnerable road users, will be taken to increase bicycle usage and reduce the severity of accidents.

Assessment of factors influencing the severity of at-fault motor vehicle-bicycle crashes using structural equation modeling Keywords:

Active travel modes , Sustainable transportation , Bicycle safety , Crash severity , Structural Equation Modeling (SEM