December 15, 2024
We have summarized the latest information and statistics about cycling in this blog article. Below you will find two ideas for solutions.
The greatest sources of danger
The greatest source of danger for cyclists are so-called single-vehicle accidents, but visibility is also always important.
E-bike riders and people over 65 are disproportionately affected and account for almost 48% of all e-bike accidents.
Bicycle accidents are steadily increasing
The Austrian Automobile Club ÖAMTC has analyzed the number of accidents since 2013 and found that the number of accidents has increased by 69% since then. The main problem: many cyclists lack a certain safety awareness regarding visibility. Accidents at intersections have increased by a full quarter.
On the other hand, single-vehicle accidents due to instability are a huge problem. This type of accident has increased by a full 149% since 2013!
falls and single accidents
Around 50% of all bicycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents without anyone else involved. Unfortunately, single-vehicle accidents now also account for 30% of all fatal bicycle accidents. In the winter months (December to February), the risk of falling off a bicycle is even greater because the roads are slippery due to ice, snow and wetness. But leaves lying on the road are also a source of danger in autumn. This was the result of a study by the Insurance Accident Research Institute (UDV).
Curbs and tram tracks, which are known to be present all year round, also pose a risk. The study and a further data analysis of the Injury Database Austria (IDB) of the Road Safety Board found that over 10% of e-bike accidents and almost 7% of bicycle accidents occur when riding up or down a curb or by accidentally hitting it.
Last but not least, the police also believe that excessive speed is partly responsible for the high number of single-vehicle accidents.
Accidents due to (in)visibility
From late autumn onwards, the risk of accidents also skyrockets due to poor visibility. The problem is not only present at night, but also at dusk. Between September and March, the danger times become longer and longer due to the time of year. According to the city of Salzburg, around one in five accidents can be attributed to this lack of visibility. The Swiss Advisory Centre for Accident Prevention estimates that over half of the accidents could be prevented by better visibility.
Not only does the risk of accidents increase by 150%, but accidents also more often result in serious injuries or death. More than half of these accidents are caused because drivers fail to see cyclists and do not give way.
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How do you prevent bicycle accidents?
Better equipment
The saying "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing" is also true when it comes to accident prevention. You can find some tips on making yourself visible in our blog article 6 tips for safe cycling in the dark . The important thing here is to make yourself visible where you can really be seen: at the eye level of the drivers.
Stability is greatest when both hands are on the handlebars ready to brake. Indicators and brake lights such as flashers achieve exactly this and also make you visible from extremely long distances when turning.
Last but not least, some organizations also offer road safety training for bicycles (e.g. ÖAMTC, Baden Württemberg Police in Konstanz, Berlin Cycling School).
Better infrastructure
ADFC Federal Director Dr. Caroline Lodemann also sees a need to adapt the bicycle infrastructure. On the one hand, cycle paths need to be better built, and on the other hand, existing ones need to be properly maintained to remove moisture, leaves and snow.
That's true in principle, but it's not something cyclists should wait for. Accidents can happen immediately, not when a bicycle-friendly local authority finally decides to build better cycle paths.