This study investigated the relation between co-presence and bicyclists' riding behavior. We assumed that the presence of peer riders would either facilitate or inhibit risky behaviors depending on bicyclists' perceptions of three traffic contexts conducive to risk taking (i.e., red-light, go straight, and turn to left). Young bicyclists (N=207) were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions (alone vs. with peers). They filled in a scenario-based questionnaire about their intentions to adopt risky behaviors in three specific traffic situations as well as their risk perception of these situations and their general self-perceived efficacy as a bicyclist. We hypothesized that the presence of peer riders engaged in a risky behavior will facilitate the intention to adopt risky behaviors in situations where group risk is evaluated as lower than individual risk. In opposition, the presence of peer riders engaged in a risky behavior will inhibit the intention to adopt risky behaviors in situations where group risk is evaluated as higher than individual risk. The results confirmed the hypotheses. The findings offer insights for developing new effective education and intervention programs in order to reduce the frequency of dangerous behavior among bicyclists.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The effects of co-presence on risk perception and intention to engage in risky behaviors



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2016



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    BKL:    44.80 / 55.80 / 44.80 Unfallmedizin, Notfallmedizin / 55.80 Verkehrswesen, Transportwesen: Allgemeines / 50.17 Sicherheitstechnik / 50.17