Safe (felt) by design: Understanding cyclists’ needs for traffic guidance at roadworks – A mixed-methods study on behaviour, perception, and infrastructure requirements

Frederik Hilden, Peer-Benedikt Degen, Robin von Elm and Angela Francke

No bmeyw_v1, SocArXiv from Center for Open Science

Abstract: Introduction: Urban construction sites frequently disrupt cycling infrastructure and create safety risks for vulnerable road users. Despite regulatory frameworks for temporary traffic management, cyclists often encounter unclear or unsafe guidance around roadworks. Empirical evidence on how cyclists actually respond to such conditions remains limited. This study investigates cyclists’ behaviour, routing decisions, and safety perceptions at urban construction sites. Method: A mixed-methods design combined behavioural observations and a nationwide survey. Observational data were collected at four construction sites in Hamburg, Germany using inductive loop sensors and video recordings, capturing 146.168 bicycle passages. Behavioural interactions were coded to identify compliance, routing choices, and conflict-avoidance strategies. In addition, a web-based survey of 1,071 cyclists across Germany examined perceived safety, behavioural adaptation, and infrastructure preferences at roadworks. Results: Observational analysis identified substantial deviations from designated traffic guidance: 42% of 790 coded cyclist interactions involved non-compliant behaviour, such as riding on sidewalks or against the intended direction. Route choice was primarily influenced by motorized traffic volume and pavement quality. Cyclists frequently selected routes that maximized perceived safety and riding comfort rather than following formal guidance. Despite frequent non-compliance, cyclists often adopted cooperative strategies, including speed reduction and conflict avoidance with pedestrians. Conclusions: The findings highlight a gap between formally regulated traffic guidance and cyclists’ safety perceptions and behaviour. Temporary infrastructure that lacks clarity, comfort, or protection can lead to widespread deviations from prescribed routes. Practical applications: Temporary traffic management at construction sites should prioritize intuitive guidance, surface quality, and physical separation from motorized traffic. Incorporating cyclist needs into roadwork design can reduce conflicts and improve safety for vulnerable road users.

Date: 2026-10-13
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:socarx:bmeyw_v1

DOI: 10.31235/osf.io/bmeyw_v1

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