Simulated single-bicycle crashes

Here you can find a number of video recordings from simulated single-bicycle crashes performed at the VTI crash test laboratory in 2020.

The purpose with these crash tests has been to create an understanding of how different features of temporary traffic control devices can affect the risk of injuries among cyclists. These tests constitute one part of a research project funded by the Swedish Transport Administration. One objective is to give input to a Swedish committee formulating a national standard regulating the design of temporary traffic control devices used on pedestrian and bicycle paths. The research will also contribute with input to develop the road keepers' regulations, guidelines, and code of practice on how to handle cyclists at road works and in connection to construction sites.

How we performed the bicycle crash tests

In the study, a Hybrid II 50th percentile crash test dummy was placed in the saddle of a bicycle and crash tests, usually at 25 km/h, were performed. A commuter bicycle was used in most of the tests, but there are also a few including a lady’s bicycle. Eleven different types of road equipment were included, and different crash angles (8°, 20°, 45° and 90° - a straight hit) were applied, in a total of over 50 crash tests. The road equipment represents temporary traffic control devices of various kind commonly used in Sweden, but also some specifically designed for cyclists.

Article: "Crash tests to evaluate the design of temporary traffic control devices for increased safety of cyclists at road works" (2022, ScienceDirect) External link.

Tests with concrete barriers (videos):

GP Link without wooden board – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a lady’s bicycle in 20 km/h:

GP Link with wooden board of 1.1 meters – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

GP Link with wooden board of 1.4 meters – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

GP Link with wooden board of 1.8 meters – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC, Concrete barrier – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC, Concrete barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC, Concrete barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC, Concrete barrier – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC with ATA bicycle net and fabric – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC with ATA bicycle net and fabric – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC with ATA bicycle net and fabric – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC with ATA bicycle net – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

REBLOC with ATA bicycle net – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

A single TA-barrier – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

A coupled TA-barrier – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

A coupled TA-barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

A coupled TA-barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

A coupled TA-barrier – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

TA-barrier with Worxsafe Pedestrian/Bicycle Fence – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

TA-barrier with Worxsafe Pedestrian/Bicycle Fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

TA-barrier with Worxsafe Pedestrian/Bicycle Fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

TA-barrier with Worxsafe Pedestrian/Bicycle Fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

TA-barrier with Worxsafe Pedestrian/Bicycle Fence – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Tests with fences (videos):

Ramudden crowd barrier – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Ramudden crowd barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Ramudden crowd barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Ramudden crowd barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

Ramudden crowd barrier – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Ramudden crowd barrier – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

Jonsered SafePass GC Barrier – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Jonsered SafePass GC Barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h

Jonsered SafePass GC Barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h

Jonsered SafePass GC Barrier – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

Jonsered SafePass GC Barrier – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Construction fence – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 45° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at a 20° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a commuter bicycle in 15 km/h:

Construction fence – a single-bicycle crash at an 8° crash angle with a lady’s bicycle in 25 km/h:

Tests with signs and other devices (videos):

Flat traffic lane delineator with rubber base – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Foldable flat traffic lane delineator – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Concrete block– a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

Concrete block with signpost – a straight hit (90° crash angle) with a commuter bicycle in 25 km/h:

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