3rd INT. CONF. ON INTEGRATION OF DESIGN, ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT FOR INNOVATION A.A. Fernandes, R.M. Natal Jorge, L. Patrício, A. Medeiros (Eds) Porto, Portugal, 4-6th September 2013 277 ANALYSIS OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CYCLISTS, ITS CONSEQUENCES AND ITS RELATION WITH THE USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENTS Ari Koji Shimizu 1 , Galdenoro Botura Junior 2 Luis Carlos Paschoarelli 3 1 Department of Design, Univ Estadual Paulista; arishimizu@gmail.com 2 Department of Control and Automation, Univ Estadual Paulista; galdenoro@gmail.com 3 Department of Design, Univ Estadual Paulista; paschoarelli@faac.unesp.br KEYWORDS: design, cycling, injuries, ergonomics ABSTRACT: The Brazilian cyclist is increasingly demanding, seeking for a more specified equipment with differentiated design and also primarily concerned with safety, since the majority of them use basic safety equipment in its regular activity. This cyclist fits in the Brazilian marketing category of recreation and leisure, however now it can note there is a change in behavior of some of these cyclists in this category using bicycles to reach their workplace too. The present analysis verified the main causes of accidents, the physical consequences and habits regarding the usage of safety equipment. Data from prior surveys conducted with cycle-tourists were used for comparative purposes. Data analysis showed that, in the case of accidents, some regions of the cyclists' bodies have suffered lesions due to the lack of specific equipment designed to protect these regions. The results show the need of improvement and/or development of safety equipment for cyclists, based on ergonomics principles and its usability, aiming to reduce or eliminate physical consequences of the accidents. Thus, the ergonomic design is an area which may contribute significantly to development of this equipment. 1 INTRODUCTION The absence of urban planning is one of the characteristics of most of the Brazilian cities. On the other hand, the most severe public transportation problems experienced, in this beginning of 21st century, could be minimized, if alternatives were adopted, highlighting the role of the bicycles. Exemplifying the case of the city of Fortaleza, State of Ceara, ALMEIDA et al (2007) verified that bicycles circulate in the main street networks of the city, along with motor vehicles, without any specific zone for its circulation (cycle lanes or cycle paths) and cyclists were not using appropriated protection equipment, it contribute to the occurrences and consequences of accidents. The present study aims to analyze the most common types of injuries in bicycle accidents, from the use of protection equipment. Furthermore, it seeks to analyze if the usage of this equipment can help in the maintenance of the physical integrity of the cyclist. 1.1 Market The Brazilian market for bicycles is in constant change. According to ABRACICLO (2013), in 2012, domestic production of bicycles was of 4.17 million units, representing a 10% reduction compared to 2011, when it was 278 Ari Koji Shimizu, Galdenoro Botura Junior, Luis Carlos Paschoarelli produced 4.63 million. For 2013, production estimates are around 4.50 million units (Figure 01). (in million of units) Figure 01 – Brazilian production of bicycles (2006-2013). Source: ABRACICLO (2013) Regarding domestic sales, it’s projected for 2013 the maintenance of the 4.5 million units sold in 2012, meaning a 10% reduction in face of 2011 (5.00 million units sold). On the other hand, imports are expected to register a 7% growth in 2013 (330,000 units) compared to 2012 (327,590 units), meanwhile, in 2011, imports accounted for 369,206 units. In a global context, Brazil is the third largest producer of bicycles, responding for 4% of the world total production, only behind China (67%) and India (8%). (Figure 02) Figure 02 – Global production of bicycles in 2009. Source: ABRACICLO (2013) In the global consumption of bicycles (Figure 03), Brazil is ranked in the fifth position, responding for 4% of the total market, while China is the largest consumer followed by USA, India and Japan. Figure 03 – Global consumption of bicycles in 2009. Source: ABRACICLO (2013) According to ALVARENGA (2011), president of one of the main Brazilian bicycle producers, despite the setback in the domestic production, his company predicts for 2011 an increase of 25% in production and 30% in revenues compared to 2010. This is part of a strategy to shift the target market, or, a change in the focus of consumers in transportation category (basic bicycles) to consumers in recreation and leisure category (more sophisticated products), circumstance reinforced by the augmentation in imports. According to KOTLER (2001, p. 186), “the companies may be obliged to improve their supply to customers by other forms than the mere price or cost reduction. High value added companies already have a benefit pack to conquer and attract the client preferences”. Marcos Fermanian, president of ABRACICLO (2013), declared that: “production and total sales of bicycles in wholesale trade presented volume reductions in 2012, but there was a constant growth in demand for high value added products. Producers installed in the Polo Industrial de Manaus (PIM) are investing to meet this new demand, developing high technological products – lighter and more