Cyclists flout law, safety measures, survey says
The National Road Safety Authority conducted a comprehensive study of cyclists' habits and law knowledge; large amount of under-16s riding electric bicycles illegally; half of cyclists unaware that electric bicycles require helmets
A study by National Road Safety Authority has revealed that a majority of cyclists under the age of 17 who ride in cities do so on electric bicycles, despite the fact that they have been restricted to ages 16 and up for the past month (a raise from 14). Electric bicycles already constitute half of all bikes on the streets of Israel today.
The study is the most comprehensive yet on electric bikes on Israel's streets. The study sheds some light on cyclists' tendencies, accidents, knowledge of the law, and obedience thereto. The surveys were wide ranging, and carried out in multiple and varied locations in different cities and towns across the country.
The survey included data from 7,354 cyclists and interviews with 465 of them. It showed that many children (33%) under the age of 14 rode electric bicycles, which is illegal. In addition, many riders of electric bicycles are aged between 14 and 16 (34%), which has been illegal now for the past month and half.
Woman on a bicycle (Photo: Roni Nak)
The study also found that 59% of cyclists, principally children, ride on sidewalks, which is also against the law. The primary reason cited for this transgression in cyclist interviews was a sense of security on the sidewalk or a fear of the road.
It turned out that very few cyclists wear helmets (less than 21%), and they explained that they didn't have one or that it "bothers their head." Only 51% of respondents knew that there is a law requiring riders of electric bicycles to wear a helmet.
Also worrying is the datum that some 9% of the cyclists hold their mobile phones while riding. Of them, 50% spoke on it, some 40% simply held it, and a further 20% used apps or texted.
The Authority concluded from the report that "The cyclist situation is not good as relates to obeying the law and taking safety measures. Cyclists, it appears, do not understand that they are nearly 'invisible' on parts of the road and that they are more vulnerable." Since the beginning of the year, 10 cyclists have been killed, four on electric bicycles.
