Cyclists' Anger As Determinant of Near Misses Involving Different Road Users

Validation of the cycling anger scale in Singapore

OBJECTIVES

Emotions can be dangerous companions in road traffic for vehicle drivers and cyclists in particular. It is therefore important to reliably assess emotions like anger in road traffic. The first objective of the present paper is to examine whether the cycling anger scale (CAS) can be used to assess Singaporean Cyclists' anger experiences in traffic. In addition, it relates the cycling anger measure to similar constructs like driving anger (DAS), and the cyclists' experiences of trait anger in general in order to further examine the validity of the CAS scale.

METHODS

In an online survey, we distributed the English versions of the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS), the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and the Trait Anger Scale (TAS) to a sample of 116 cyclists from Singapore. We then analyzed the psychometric properties of the CAS. In addition, we correlated cyclists' CAS ratings with their DAS ratings, TAS ratings, and demographic variables. Finally, we compared cycling anger ratings across cultures.

RESULTS

With respect to the first objective, we found that the Cycling Anger Scale can be applied to cyclists from Singapore given very minor modifications. Regarding our second objective, we obtained substantial correlations between cycling anger experience, driving anger experience, and general anger experience. In addition, cyclists' CAS ratings were related to their demographic variables but not to their self-reported aggressive cycling behavior. The cross-cultural comparison revealed that cyclists from Singapore experience less anger than cyclists from other cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that we could show the validity of the CAS for cyclists from Singapore. Researchers and practitioners who are interested in safer cycling can apply the CAS in Singapore. In line with other studies, we also conclude that cycling anger experience is related to driving anger experience and general trait anger. However, cycling anger does not seem to be related to self-reported aggressive cycling.

The specificity of cyclists' aggression; examination of the cycling anger expression inventory across different recipient road user groups

While cyclist aggression is relatively rare, it has been associated with increased crash risk. Previous measures of cyclist aggression have not taken into consideration who the recipient of the aggression may be; this is likely to differ across road user types. The aim of this study was to understand if cyclists' aggression differs according to whether the recipient is a driver, pedestrian or another cyclist. To examine this, 1206 cyclists (males = 75 %; age range 18-80 years; M = 47.35 ± 11.81) completed the Cycling Anger Expression Inventory (CAX; Møller and Haustein, 2017) three times; once for each road user type. Respondents also provided information regarding their cycling anger tendencies. Open text responses regarding sources of, and responses to, anger were also sought. The measurement invariance of the three CAX models was examined to determine whether the items were interpreted in a similar manner for interactions with each road user type and to compare latent factor means. The results showed that verbal aggression was not the same across road users. However, adaptive constructive ways of dealing with anger were similar across the three types of recipients. Comparison of latent means showed that cyclists reported higher expressions of anger toward drivers than cyclists or pedestrians. Qualitative analysis of the text responses suggest this is due to the perceived risk posed by drivers combined with positive attitudes expressed towards sharing infrastructure with pedestrians and other cyclists. Based on these findings it was concluded that: i) the CAX might best be used with reference to drivers, rather than "road users", and ii) while aggression in cyclists is rare, it is more common toward drivers than other road users.

Personality and Behavioral Predictors of Cyclist Involvement in Crash-Related Conditions

In recent years, the increasing rate of road crashes involving cyclists with a disproportionate overrepresentation in injury statistics has become a major concern in road safety and public health. However, much remains unknown about factors contributing to cyclists’ high crash rates, especially those related to personal characteristics. This study aims to explore the influence of cyclist personality traits and cycling behaviors on their road safety outcomes using a mediated model combining these constructs. A total of 628 cyclists completed an online questionnaire consisting of questions related to cycling anger, impulsiveness, normlessness, sensation seeking, risky cycling behaviors, and involvement in crash-related conditions in the past year. After the psychometric properties of the employed scales were examined, the relationships among the tested constructs were investigated using structural equation modeling. The results showed that cyclists’ crash risks were directly predicted by risky cycling behaviors and cycling anger, and the effects of cycling anger, impulsiveness, as well as normlessness on crash risks, were mediated by cycling behaviors. The current findings provide insight into the importance of personality traits in impacting cycling safety and could facilitate the development of evidence-based prevention and promotion strategies targeting cyclists in China.

German bike messengers' experiences and expressions of cycling anger

Objective: The present study has 3 objectives: First, we wanted to examine whether the Cycling Anger Scale (CAS) applies to German professional bike messengers, because this scale was previously developed with nonprofessional cyclists in Germany. Second, we wanted to look at possible differences in cycling anger experience and expression between professional German bike messengers and nonprofessional German cyclists. Third, we explored whether cycling anger is somehow related to driving anger and general anger. Methods: We applied German versions of the CAS, the Driving Anger Scale (DAS), and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) to a sample of 123 professional German bike messengers. Then we compared their ratings with the results of 421 nonprofessional German cyclists. Results: Regarding our first objective, results indicate that the CAS model fit is better for nonprofessional than for professional cyclists. However, the CAS in a slightly modified version can be used for professional cyclists as well. As for our second objective, we show that professional cyclists experience significantly less cycling anger than nonprofessional cyclists. However, bike messengers report more frequent aggressive cycling behaviors when angry, indicating a weaker link between trait anger while cycling and aggressive behavior among professionals. Thirdly, we found relations between cycling anger, driving anger, and general anger. Conclusions: We conclude that the CAS in its slightly modified 13-item version with the established 4 subscales produces an acceptable model fit and can be applied to professional German bike messengers for further research purposes or applied issues; for example, traffic education or self-awareness in terms of accident prevention behaviors. In addition, for professional cyclists, less anger does not result in less aggressive cycling behaviors. Subsequent research should explore the role of anger in behavioral regulation of cyclists' unsafe cycling behaviors taking different levels of experience and professionalism into account in order to reduce adverse effects of anger on traffic safety.