• Kristiann C Heesch, Shannon Sahlqvist, and Jan Garrard.
• Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia. k.heesch@qut.edu.au
• Prev Med. 2011 Dec 1; 53 (6): 417420417-20.

ObjectiveHarassment from motorists is a major constraint on cycling that has been under-researched. We examined incidence and correlates of harassment of cyclists.MethodsCyclists in Queensland, Australia were surveyed in 2009 about their experiences of harassment while cycling, from motor vehicle occupants. Respondents also indicated the forms of harassment they experienced. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine gender and other correlates of harassment.ResultsOf 1830 respondents, 76% of men and 72% of women reported harassment in the previous 12 months. The most reported forms of harassment were driving too close (66%), shouting abuse (63%), and making obscene gestures/sexual harassment (45%). Older age, overweight/obesity, less cycling experience (<2 years) and less frequent cycling (<3 days/week) were associated with less likelihood of harassment, while living in highly advantaged areas (SEIFA deciles 8 or 9), cycling for recreation, and cycling for competition were associated with increased likelihood of harassment. Gender was not associated with reports of harassment.ConclusionsEfforts to decrease harassment should include a closer examination of the circumstances that give rise to harassment, as well as fostering road environments and driver attitudes and behaviors that recognize that cyclists are legitimate road users.Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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