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An Analysis of Technology-Related Distracted Biking Behaviors and Helmet Use Among Cyclists in New York City

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Abstract

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly utilized mode of transportation in New York City. Technology-related distracted bicycling and helmet use are behaviors that can impact bike safety. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to determine rates and types of technology-related distracted behaviors among bicyclists in the borough of Manhattan in New York City; and (2) to assess the rate of bicycle helmet use among these cyclists. Bicyclists in five popular riding areas in Manhattan were observed for a total of 50 h using a digital video camera during summer months in 2014. Videos were coded and enumerated for the total number and gender of cyclists, type of bicycle, number wearing headphones/earbuds and/or using a mobile phone, and whether the cyclist was wearing a helmet. Almost 25,000 cyclists were observed across the five selected locations (n = 24,861). Riders were almost four times more likely not to wear a helmet on rental bikes as compared with non-rentals (Citi Bike® OR 3.8; 95 % CI 2.5, 5.9: other rental OR 3.8; 95 % CI 3.0, 4.9). Significantly increased odds of not wearing a helmet were observed for females relative to males (OR 1.4; 95 % CI 1.1, 1.8) across varied times and locations. Overall, rates of technology-related distraction were low, with headphone use being most prevalent. Males were more likely to wear headphones/earbuds (OR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.4, 2.9), as were cyclists on Citi Bikes relative to other rental bikes (OR 2.2; 95 % CI 1.3, 3.6). Findings from this study contribute to the growing literature on distracted biking and helmet use among bike share program riders and other cyclists and can inform policymakers and program planners aiming to improve bicycle safety in urban settings.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by PSC-CUNY Research Award 67680-0045 and the George N. Shuster Award 78331-00-01.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Education and Promotion, Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, The City University of New York, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Gillet Hall, Room 334, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA

    Danna Ethan

  2. William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA

    Corey H. Basch

  3. Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, The City University of New York, Bronx, NY, 10468, USA

    Glen D. Johnson, Ching Man Chow & Victoria Varsos

  4. Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA

    Rodney Hammond

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  1. Danna Ethan
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Correspondence to Danna Ethan.

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Ethan, D., Basch, C.H., Johnson, G.D. et al. An Analysis of Technology-Related Distracted Biking Behaviors and Helmet Use Among Cyclists in New York City. J Community Health 41, 138–145 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-015-0079-0

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