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How safe is cycling with a schoolbag?
S J Legg1, E Laurs, D I Hedderley
1Center for Ergonomics, Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Human Resource Management, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Ergonomics
|May 15, 2003
Summary
Carrying a schoolbag did not increase cycling errors for students but did increase stopping distances and time. Further research is recommended to understand the impact of schoolbags on child cycling accidents.
Area of Science:
- Pedestrian and cyclist safety
- Childhood accident research
Background:
- Schoolbags are a common burden for child cyclists.
- The impact of schoolbag weight on cycling performance and safety is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of carrying a schoolbag on cycling errors and stopping distances in secondary students.
- To determine if further research into schoolbag-related cycling accident aetiology in children is warranted.
Main Methods:
- Twenty secondary students completed an obstacle course on bicycles twice.
- Trials were conducted with and without a 6 kg schoolbag.
- Cycling errors, time to complete the course, and stopping distances were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in cycling errors was observed between trials with and without a schoolbag.
- Students took longer to complete the course and had greater stopping distances when carrying a schoolbag.
- The order of trials (with/without bag) could have influenced results due to familiarity.
Conclusions:
- Carrying a schoolbag may increase risks for child cyclists due to increased stopping distances.
- Further investigation is justified to explore the link between schoolbag carriage and cycling accident risk in children.