Transportation of children with bicycle seats, trailers, and other carriers: considerations for safety

Abstract

With plans to increase cycling participation and the increase in use of child carriers and cargo bikes in Australia, there is a need for research to support evidence-based safety improvements for cyclists and their passengers. Currently, very little is known about the safety of the increasing yet vulnerable road user group: child passengers on bicycles. The purpose of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the safety implications of transporting children by bicycle. This research is the first of its kind to explore issues relevant to child passenger safety in detail, including cycling behaviours when carrying children; safety concerns and the strategies used to mitigate them; factors contributing to crash and non-crash events; and injury characteristics including mechanisms, nature, and treatment. This study includes the analysis of hospital injury data, a detailed national survey of cyclists, and discussions with cycling stakeholders. Several recommendations for enhancing the safety of child passengers are discussed and an example of a resource to educate and inform those who are considering transporting their children by bicycle is provided.