Cyclingiswellknowntoimproveindividualhealthandfitness;i...

欄目: 練習題 / 發佈於: / 人氣:3.33W

問題詳情：

Cycling is well known to improve individual health and fitness; it also benefits the wider population in terms of economy, transport and environment. The EU promotes cycling via many measures primarily to achieve sustainable (可持續的) clean and energy efficient transport systems. However, despite the fact that benefits outweigh the risks by 20:1, many consider the risk too great and that the fear of danger on the road needs to be handled. Cycle lanes (車道) have been used to improve cyclists' safety and encourage more cyclists onto the road. This research in transport aims to study the effect of cycle lanes on cyclists' safety where passing space given by overtaking (超車) vehicles is concerned.

In this study, the authors used a bicycle equipped with cameras to record vehicle overtakes in varying road situations to determine whether cycle lanes, colour block cycle lanes or no cycle lanes affect passing distances and cyclists' safety. Their 3 comparisons measuring vehicle passing widths found greater overall distances given with a cycle lane than without. Colour block vs. uncoloured cycle lanes showed little or no difference, as did no cycle lanes vs. colour block cycle lanes. Colour block lanes had a slight negative effect suggesting that drivers are more careful when cycle lanes have less definition (清晰度).

Interestingly, the authors conclude that other factors have a far greater effect on cyclists' safety than presence or absence of cycle lanes. Road width, parking, opposing vehicle flow and speed were key influences on decreased passing widths. The authors also note that driver behaviour is a hugely important factor and urge more research in this area. "In order to reduce risk and encourage more cycling, reducing and calming the existing motorised traffic must be explored first." They suggest, "Lane width is the most significant variable (變量) to achieve a sufficient vehicle passing distance. The narrow cycle lanes (<2m) may be not enough. Reconsideration of the entire road design and further exploration of driver behavioural factors is required. "

28. What is the main purpose of the EU's promoting cycling?

A. To reduce air pollution. B. To build better transport systems.

C. To improve people's health, D. To help people save money on transport.

29. According to the study, colour block lanes may______.

A. make drivers a bit careless B. cause no overtaking

C. get cyclists to feel safer D. lead to greater passing distances

30. In the researchers' eyes, the first step to encourage more cycling is to______.

A. redesign and rebuild the roads in a city

B. do more research in public bicycle programs

C. restrict the number of vehicles running on road

D. make strict traffic rules to control driver behavior

31. The authors of the research think that driver behavior______.