Of all cyclists killed in 2022, 71% died in a collision with a motorized or non-motorized vehicle.
According to figures from Statistics Netherlands, 2022 cyclists were killed in traffic in 291. That is 84 more cycling casualties than in 2021, and is the highest number since 2008. “This alarming increase of 40% more cycling casualties is unacceptable. There must be more space for cyclists,” says Esther van Garderen, director of the Fietsersbond.
More crash accidents
While the number of unilateral crashes has increased in recent years, in 2022 there will be a significant increase in the number of collisions with motorized traffic. Of all cyclists killed in 2022, 71% died in a collision with a motorized or non-motorized vehicle. A quarter of all bicycle deaths crashed without a collision, but due to the condition of the road (poor road surface, slipperiness, obstacles) or own behaviour.
Striking: the number of deaths is decreasing in the province of Utrecht
Utrecht is the only province where there has been a decrease in the number of cycling fatalities. A reduction of no less than 40%, from 20 in 2021 to 12 cycling fatalities in 2022. Van Garderen: “Utrecht is at the forefront of investing in cycling infrastructure and has shown that the investments are having an effect. All other provinces can take an example from that.” In Groningen, Drenthe and Overijssel, the number of cycling deaths increased sharply in 2022. In Noord-Brabant, most road fatalities occurred among cyclists (56).
Top 10 measures
Where cars are becoming increasingly safer, bigger and heavier, the risk of insecurity and the risk of more damage and more serious consequences for cyclists is increasing. The Cyclists' Union introduced one top 10 of measures that improve road safety. Van Garderen: “It is necessary to tackle road safety for all cyclists. The speed within built-up areas must be reduced to 30 km/h. There are dangerous crossings for cyclists on too many provincial roads and the speed must be reduced to 60 km/h. Less speed means less impact.”
In addition to enforcing the traffic rules, more must be invested in good cycle paths. “On routes to our secondary schools, 80 percent still do not meet the standard for bicycle paths. We all want everyone from young to old to cycle more and safety is crucial for that. The current developments threaten our cycling happiness.” van Garderen said.
Increase in cycling fatalities over 75s
There is an increase in road deaths among cyclists aged 75 and older; 150 in 2022, against 94 in 2021. “There are more elderly people and the elderly who are there cycle more often. They enjoy the longer bike rides and that is very nice; it helps against loneliness and leads to more healthy years of life,” says van Garderen.
Especially due to the convenience and advance of the e-bike, this group cycles more kilometers. Esther van Garderen: “In order to increase safety, it is important to also design the cycling infrastructure for the older target group. For example, a straight curb is much more dangerous than a slanted one. In addition, we can provide the more vulnerable groups with good information and tips for safe use, as the Fietsersbond already does through cycling lessons and the Doortrappen project”.
