Why cyclist hostility persists and what we can do about it
A recent feature in Avid Cyclist - "Cyclist Derangement Syndrome: America’s Sociopathic War on Cyclists" - addresses rising anti‑cyclist attitudes in the United States. Research from Monash University suggests this isn't just an American problem.
Monash studies show over 80% of cyclists experience stigma and nearly all report conflict with drivers. VR, EEG and AI‑driven safety research reveals a persistent gap between how safe cyclists feel and the risks they actually face, especially in mixed‑traffic environments.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Alexa Delbosc of Monash Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering captures the 'dangerous dehumanisation of cyclists' challenge at the heart of the issue.
She says “In many places around the world, getting on a bicycle makes you less than fully human or even deserving of punishment… A person on a bicycle is just a person…and they deserve to arrive home safely just as much as anyone else.”
Research confirms protected infrastructure reduces conflict, improves emotional safety and keeps people riding. But until cities build it at scale, cyclists remain vulnerable to both physical and social harm.
Read Associate Professor Delbosc's research here.
