Physics ofCycling Safety

L. Van Warren MS CS, AE

Jan 2010

Sources of Cycling DangerCollision with Car or Truck

Collision with Cyclist or Fall

Mechanical Failure, Flat Tire, Pothole

Metabolic Failure

Jogger Cyclist Car Truck 2 5 1,521

943,722

(Vertical feet)

Collision Kinetic Energy @ 45 mph

Collision Kinetic Energy @ 45 mph

Jogger Cyclist Car 2 5

1,521

(Vertical feet)

Collision Kinetic Energy @ 12 mph

Jogger Cyclist

2

5 (Vertical feet)

(Vertical feet)

Principle Collision ConfigurationsSide-swiped from behind

Large difference in velocity.On the “reveal” in a line of cars.Rear-view mirror makes huge difference!

Head on with oncoming Car Making Left Turn

Intersections!!

Hot Spot #1: Cross & LaHarpe

#2: Markham & Rodney Parham

#3: Markham & Hughes

#4: Chenal Parkway

ConclusionsSeparate Joggers and Cylists from Cars and Trucks

Bike paths should be widened and smoothed.

Transitions should be free of “lips”, ADA-compatible.

Educate higher energy to yield to those with less.

Pay attention to hot spots!