How to accommodate cycling at intersections. The limits of behavioural measures

This paper addresses the challenges faced by cycling at intersections, which were initially built to accommodate car traffic. Using the concept of obduracy , defined as the resistance of infrastructure to changes in its original function, we analysed two behavioural measures: the recommendation for cyclists to ride in the middle of the roundabout, and a sign allowing right-turn-on-red at signalised intersections. Our data came from field observations and intercept surveys conducted at 15 locations in Lausanne, Switzerland. We found that the obduracy of intersections operates on three levels: how they are designed (planning, materiality, legislation), how they are perceived (social norms, legitimacy, expertise), and how they are experienced (interactions with other road users). Our findings highlighted that although most cyclists knew the two behavioural measures, they did not always use them, due to low legitimacy, difficulty of use, insufficient safety, or a lack of usefulness. This was specifically the case of riding in the middle of roundabouts: Although Swiss road safety campaigns regularly advised cyclists to do so, the perceived dangers of sharing the road with cars deterred many from following this recommendation. Another overlooked obstacle was other road users’ lack of knowledge of the rules for cyclists, notably right-turn-on-red, which could lead to negative reactions, dangerous behaviour and stigmatisation of cyclists (e.g. wrongly thinking they were running red lights). The paper underlines the limits of behavioural measures and the need for redesigning infrastructure. It also introduces a novel theoretical framework to analyse cycling infrastructure, which could be applied in other settings. • Obduracy is resistance in how intersections are designed, perceived and experienced • Riding in the middle of roundabouts is considered dangerous because of motorists • Right-turn-on-red improves comfort, but cyclists fear being judged • Both measures rely on individual responsibility, require expertise and confidence • Other road users’ lack knowledge of the rules for cyclists needs to be addressed