Cycling, many Dutch people do this every day, for example to work or just to exercise. We see a lot of electric bicycles in traffic, which makes it easier for us to bridge large distances. Due to the high fuel prices, more and more people are taking the bicycle instead of the car. The cycle paths are getting busier and busier, so we have to pay more attention. Cyclists with different speeds cross each other, this in combination with crowds on the cycle path is asking for accidents. The number of road casualties with serious injuries has risen sharply from 2012 to 2021.
An increase of 18 percent in ten years. This is according to a study by SafetyNL, knowledge center for injury prevention. Within the group of cyclists, most victims are aged 55 years and older (44%) and between 12 and 24 years (19%). It also appears that victims on an electric bicycle run an increased risk of injury that requires emergency treatment. Last year there were about 11.000 bicycle victims with brain injuries, half of whom were 55 years or older. So it is very important to use a bicycle helmet. A bicycle helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by three percent.
“Electric bicycles are becoming more and more normal in traffic, for young and old. In-depth research will have to show how much greater this increased risk is and identify the underlying causes.”
Our behavior can also reduce accidents. Do not cycle against traffic. Bike MONO. If you, as a fast rider, want to overtake people on the bike path, let them know you are coming by calling. On busy cycle paths it is better to ride one behind the other than next to each other. Reach out to indicate your direction. Make sure your bike lights are on when it's dusk or dark. Do not stop on the cycle path, but try to do so on the verge. Try to adjust your speed to the rest when it is busy on the bike path. Park your bicycle neatly so that it is not on the road or cycle path if it falls over. If we all take each other into account, there will probably be a lot fewer accidents.
