Cycling behaviour of older and younger adults: Differences in performance and the relation with infrastructure and neuropsychological test performance

The number of accidents with bicycles has increased over the past years, and a relationship with infrastructure and rider characteristics has been demonstrated. In particular, older cyclists are relatively often reported to be involved in accidents. Therefore, cycling behaviour of 21 younger (average age 21, range 18–24) and 22 older cyclists (average age 69, range 60–80 years) riding conventional bicycles was compared on three types of cycling infrastructure: a cycle lane, a bi- and unidirectional cycle path. These tests were performed on the road. Additionally, performance on neuropsychological tests and the relation with on-road performance was assessed to study whether performance on these tests correlates with actual cycling behaviour and whether test performance could possibly be used to predict behaviour. While older participants cycled at a significantly lower speed, cycling behaviour in terms of lane control did not differ between younger and older participants. The cycling infrastructure had a clear effect on performance and there is a relation with space: more space coincides with lower speed and more distance to the kerb. Effects of external events on lane position were also found, the presence of a person on the adjacent pavement or being overtaken by another cyclist both affect lateral position. Apart from a link between cycling speed and performance on the Trail Making Test, there were no relations found between scores on neuropsychological tests and cycling performance. Neuropsychological tests should therefore not be taken as sole predictors of cycling performance. A final observation was that older participants in this type of on-road study are likely to be more fit than the average older cyclist. This should be taken into account when generalising results. • Differences in bicycle control between young and older cyclists in an on-the-road test are limited to speed • Infrastructure has an identifiable effect on speed and lane control • Temporary conditions, such as the presence of others, affect lane position • In healthy participants, the association between cycling performance and neuropsychological test outcomes appears generally weak • With fit older cyclists no performance decrement or lower scores on neurological tests were found