The world of behavioral economics has become hugely popular in recent years, with Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein’s book Nudge inspiring a whole range of initiatives to apply behavioral thinking to prod us to behave better.

As a cyclist that regularly braves city traffic, it was interesting to see the latest study in this area that suggests simple changes to road signage could have a significant impact on road safety.

Improving cycle safety

A common issue for cyclists is that of overtaking. Despite most motoring guides suggesting that cars should overtake bikes with as much space as they would if overtaking another vehicle (ie using the other lane in the road to do so), it’s all too common for drivers to squeeze past perilously close.

Such encounters lead to a pretty fractious relationship between motorists and cyclists, with the comments section of most articles on the subject online highlighting the disconnect between each group.

The researchers conducted an online survey of nearly 2,000 people to solicit feedback on three different traffic control methods. Each of the three was attempting to communicate the message that cyclists are fully entitled to be in the middle of the lane, and don’t have to squeeze to the left.

Cyclists may use the full lane

Interestingly, the most effective, in terms of accepting cyclists right to be on the road, was a sign that said “Bicycle May Use Full Lane”. This scored much better than “Share the Road” signs that are often used, and also higher than images of a bicycle on the road.

“‘Bicycles May Use Full Lane,'” is a pretty clear winner,” the authors say.

The study did highlight the perception gap that persists with motorists however. Whilst 92% of those who saw the sign understood that it was legal for cyclists to use the middle of the lane, just 70% believed it was safe for them to do so.

The authors hope that their research will encourage transport officials to modify their signage to something that encourages greater respect of cyclists on the roads, especially in notable hot spots.

They hope to put their theory to the test in live situations in future studies to see whether theory translates into actions on the road, but they are adamant that anything that encourages greater adoption of cycling has to be a good thing.

“Replacing a personal motor vehicle with a bicycle is the single most environmentally beneficial and personally profitable action most people can ever take,” they conclude.