Paint It Red - A Multimethod Study of the Nudging Effect of Coloured Cycle Lanes

Abstract

Many countries colour their cycle lanes, but there is still a lack of research into the impact of this policy. Rather than constraining or regulating movement, coloured asphalt conveys information, and can serve as a good example of a “nudge”. In transport, there are few good examples of effective nudges for improved safety or sustainability. We used a multi-method approach to study the behaviour and experiences of cyclists before and after cycle lanes were coloured using red asphalt. Video data were collected and analysed to measure the extent to which motorists stopped in the cycle lane; motorist distance from the cycle lane on passing; and bicycle placement in the cycle lane. Cyclists (n = 1583) were asked how they experienced the cycle lane in field surveys. GPS data from cyclists (n = 2448) was used to measure whether colouring the cycle lanes resulted in a change of cyclists’ route choice. Video data showed no significant decrease in the share of passing motorists who stopped in the cycle lane. However, there was a significant decrease in the share of motorists stopping in the cycle lane rather than in the car lane or on the pavement. After recoating, motorists also kept a greater distance from the cycle lane; a greater share of cyclists chose to cycle in the cycle lane and a lower share cycled on the pavement. Analysis of survey data showed that visibility, perceived safety and ease of visualisation improved more in the recoated streets than in control streets. Analysis of the GPS data revealed a significant increase in cycling in the first streets to get red asphalt, with mixed results for the later streets. We discuss possible mechanisms behind the effects observed, and whether coloured cycle lanes can be considered as a form of nudging.

Active travel infrastructure design and implementation: Insights from behavioral science

“…The painted cycle lanes also affected motorists' behavior. Following painting, they were less likely to park in the cycle lane and routinely kept a greater distance from the lane when driving (Fyhri et al, 2021).…”

“…A relatively easy infrastructural change with implications for perceived safety is to paint cycle lanes (Márquez et al, 2021). There is strong evidence in favor of painted lanes from a PPQE, multimethod analysis of the effect of painting an existing cycle lane red in Norway (Fyhri et al, 2021). The study included video analysis of cyclist and motorist behavior as well as GPS analysis of almost 2500 journeys and a survey of over 1500 residents.…”

Using Behavioural Science to Design and Implement Active Travel Infrastructure: A Narrative Review of Evidence

“…A relatively easy infrastructural change with implications for perceived safety is to paint cycle lanes (Márquez et al, 2021). There is strong evidence in favour of painted lanes from a PPQE, multimethod analysis of the effect of painting an existing cycle lane red in Norway (Fyhri et al, 2021). The study included video analysis of cyclist and motorist behaviour as well as GPS analysis of almost 2,500 journeys and a survey of over 1,500 residents.…”

“…The painted cycle lanes also affected motorists' behaviour. Following painting, they were less likely to park in the cycle lane and routinely kept a greater distance from the lane when driving (Fyhri et al, 2021).…”

Distracting or informative? Examining signage for cyclists using eye-tracking

“…Signage could in some ways fall a bit in-between these categories. They are typically coloured red in Oslo, along with the cycle lanes, and this coloration have been found to impact perceived safety, ease of visualization and visibility (Fyhri et al 2021b). Ease of visualization is particularly linked to how familiar participants are with this infrastructure.…”