Bicycle Safety Equipment
Risk compensation: do people tend to behave LESS cautiously in situations where they feel “safer”?
There has been research done on many “safety” measures to support this such as anti-lock brakes, bicycle helmets, ski helmets, seat belts, skydiving, speed limits, safety equipment in children, and use of condoms in AIDS prevention.
Essentially, the theory states that the safer or more protected you are (or rather, the safer or more protected you BELIEVE that you are), the more likely you are to engage in riskier behavior.
Do you believe that this theory extends to PERSONAL safety as well? As in, that carrying a weapon (or pepper spray or mace) or being trained in martial arts makes it MORE likely for you to take the short-cut home through the dark alley or accept a ride from a stranger?
Yes. I believe the theory extends to personal safety. I’ll do riskier things when I think I’m safe than when I don’t.
For example, if I believe an area is patrolled by fewer cops, I’ll be more likely to pee on the side of a building.
That should come as no particular shock to anyone.
StreetSense: Bike Safety in Louisville
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