Cross-cultural perspectives of vulnerable road user safety performance based on evidence from 39 countries

Pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and motorcyclists are regarded as vulnerable road users (VRUs), as they face a heightened risk of injury in the event of a collision with a vehicle. The present study aims to provide a quantified update on VRUs safety performance by analyzing data from a broad-country sample. For this study, data was utilized from the third edition of the E-Survey on Road Users' Attitudes (ESRA3) survey, which was conducted in 2023, covering 39 countries from 5 continents. Specifically, the paper investigates the attitudes and opinions of pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders and motorcyclists regarding (i) their safety perceptions of specific transport modes and (ii) various types of unsafe behavior (for instance, speeding, alcohol/drug consumption, helmet use, red light violations and others). Furthermore, a statistical analysis based on Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and clustering was conducted to meaningfully categorize VRU groups, enabling the quantification of each category and providing scientific documentation for more informed policymaking. Key findings include the fact that VRU safety perceptions and behaviors differ significantly across regions, with Europeans feeling safer overall, with older VRUs displaying fewer risky habits than younger ones. Cyclists often neglect helmet use in particular countries (Thailand, Bosnia), while drug and alcohol consumption while riding is notably high in specific countries as well (Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands). SOM analysis reveals that most VRUs fall into low-risk behavior clusters, however, it is worth noting that respondents that engaged in a number of unsafe individual behaviors to smaller extents were classified as unsafe along with the more frequent offenders. For all VRU modes, statistical tests revealed that there is a statistically significant association between younger individuals and higher-risk cluster categorization. Finally, the paper provides recommendations for road safety stakeholders operating at different levels, which could be implemented in efforts to enhance VRUs road safety. • VRU safety perceptions vary widely across regions, with European pedestrians feeling safer than others globally. • Helmet use is a key safety concern, with cyclists often neglecting it, especially in Thailand and Bosnia. • Drug and alcohol consumption while riding is notably high in Ireland, Thailand, and the Netherlands. • Older VRUs engage in fewer risky behaviors compared to younger VRUs across all categories. • SOM analysis categorizes VRUs into risk clusters, revealing most engage in low-risk behaviors, except for some younger VRUs.