Question

Introducing cycling lanes reduces minor collisions in a district. Which of the following more strongly supports the causal link between these events?

• A. Decline in collisions was largely confined to stretches of road where the new cycling lanes were introduced, with little change elsewhere in the district.
• B. After the introduction of the cycling lanes, the local government also launched a citywide awareness campaign promoting road safety for all commuters.
• C. Data from the same period show that average vehicular traffic volumes declined due to fuel price increases and the expansion of public transport routes.
• D. Several nearby districts, which did not introduce cycling lanes, reported similar reductions in minor collisions during that year.

Hint:

For causal reasoning support, look for evidence that directly links cause and effect while minimizing alternative explanations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the claim — The argument claims a causal link between cycling lanes and reduced collisions.
Step 2: Identify strongest support — Evidence that reductions occurred specifically where lanes were added strengthens the causal link.
Step 3: Evaluate options —
(a) Directly supports the claim.
(b), (c), (d) introduce alternative explanations or show similar patterns elsewhere, weakening causal certainty.
Step 4: Conclusion — Option (a) is correct.