Work

Exploring the role of exposure and design characteristics in the safety of bicycle streets in the Netherlands

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction : The ‘bicycle street’ is a street design choice used to prioritize cycling on low-speed urban roads. Similar concepts exist across many countries and have increased in popularity over the last two decades. However, empirical evidence on the objective safety of this type of infrastructure has remained limited. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the relationship between bicycle street design and injury crashes in the Netherlands, while controlling for exposure. Method: For a sample of 87 bicycle streets – split into 140 unique design segments – data were collected on design characteristics, bicycle and motor vehicle counts, and police-recorded injury crashes from 2018 to 2023. Negative binomial regression models were estimated for six crash groups, distinguishing between road sections and intersections, and between total injury crashes and cyclist involvement. Results: As expected, traffic exposure was strongly related to crash frequency, with bicycle volume primarily associated with road-section crashes and motor-vehicle volume with intersection crashes. Several predictors appear related to increased crash counts: a higher intersection density, the presence of roadside parking, wider edge strips, centerline marking and a shopping/entertainment environment. Brick pavement, a wider center strip and a wider usable riding lane were associated with fewer crashes. Conclusions: The results largely support insights from earlier literature: intersections and parking maneuvers are known risk factors, brick pavement is related to lower speeds, and a retail environment often involves more interactions and thus more potential conflicts. The findings also indicate that scross-sectional design is relevant for safety. Practical applications: Road authorities should carefully consider the available road space, surrounding environment, traffic mix and the street’s function in the (bicycle and motor-vehicle) network before deciding if a street is suitable to become a bicycle street. Designs should maintain sufficient usable lane width for cyclists, minimize parking and consider brick pavement.

Source: Journal of Safety Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2026.09.002

Authors: Sarah E. Gebhard, Masha J.M. Odijk, Teun Uijtdewilligen, Jan Willem Hendrik van Petegem

Institution: Stichting Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Verkeersveiligheid

Language: English

Topic: Traffic and Road Safety

Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,220