Is our growing affinity for technology a challenge for preventing distracted cycling? An Australian study

Objectives The core aim of this study was to assess secondary task engagement among Australian cyclists, considering demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors as potential contributors.

Methods This study used the information provided by a sample of 1,240 Australian cyclists (24% females; 74% males; 2% non-binary) aged M = 53.6 (SD 12.9) years. They responded to an online survey on cycling-related affairs, including demographic, psychosocial (Risk Perception and Regulation Scale, RPRS), behavioral (Cycling Behavior Questionnaire, CBQ), and technology-related (Affinity for Technology Questionnaire, TAEG) factors.

Results After analyzing the TAEG properties and outcomes in this Australian sample, it was found that engagement in secondary tasks while riding varies significantly according to demographic and cycling behavioral profiles. For instance, older cyclists were less likely to report engaging in secondary tasks while riding. In terms of cycling behavior, respondents who reported higher rates of violations were more likely to report high engagement with technology while riding. Moreover, the results from a multilinear regression model predicting secondary task engagement indicated associations between self-reported cycling behavior and engagement in secondary tasks, as well as a strong relationship between traffic violations and the latter. Additionally, knowledge of traffic rules and self-reported positive behaviors showed a significant negative relationship with secondary task engagement, suggesting that these respondents were less inclined to use mobile devices while riding.

Conclusion Overall, the findings of this study support the hypothesis that secondary task engagement can be statistically explained by demographic factors (such as age and gender), attitudinal factors, and cycling behavior. These findings highlight several challenges and implications for cycling safety practices, particularly considering the increasing normalization of technology-related secondary tasks in transport activities such as cycling.