Are Spanish streets ready for bikes? Evidence from urban traffic accidents.

Abstract

The promotion of cycling as one of the most popular measures to drive sustainable urban mobility, and the rise in bicycle usage have triggered a debate on the consequences of the coexistence of different transportation modes. This interaction process has been developed rapidly in countries like Spain, where cycling has been fast-tracked. This paper analyzes the safety effect of coexistence in terms of urban traffic accidents. Our case study comprises 50 Spanish NUTS-3 regions, with an econometric model applied to a data panel based on Big Data for the period 2008-2019. The results point to a lack of equilibrium between the rapidly rising number of urban cycling trips and the adaptation of specific regulations and road user behavior. The development of specific awareness strategies, investment in clear and specific signage, traffic surveillance, and a more standardized regulation framework during the first month of bicycle promotion policies is recommended, with the appropriate data collection and monitoring of bicycle trips.