United for safer roads
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Every year on the third Sunday of November, the world remembers road victims. This initiative comes from the international organisation FEVR (Fédération Européenne des Victimes de la Route). Today, we at PENDLR want to reflect on this issue in advance.
More and more road accidents
Every year, the commemoration of traffic victims calls us to reflect on the vulnerability of cyclists and the importance of road safety. Cycling is an essential part of our society, but unfortunately the number of cycling casualties is increasing. This begs the question: is the cause solely due to unsafe traffic conditions, or are there other contributing factors?
Are there really more cycling accidents?
Road safety figures show that the number of cycling accidents has increased in recent years. The number of cycling fatalities reached record levels in recent years. A worrying trend that worries many bike dealers, road users and policymakers. However, these statistics can be misleading if we do not include the full context: in fact, the popularity of cycling has also increased dramatically.
Research shows that more and more people are choosing to cycle, partly due to the shift towards sustainable and healthy transport options. With more cyclists on the road, the likelihood of accidents also logically increases. This means that an increase in incidents does not necessarily mean a decrease in safety, but may rather be a result of a larger group of cyclists on the road.
Why infrastructure is crucial for cycling safety
Besides the increased number of cyclists, the quality of our infrastructure also plays a major role in safety. The Netherlands has a good reputation for cycling infrastructure, but the rise of e-bikes, speed pedelecs and other forms of micromobility bring new challenges. These vehicles are often faster and heavier than traditional bikes, creating a more complex and risky road environment.
Well-designed infrastructure is an essential step towards safer traffic for cyclists and other micromobility users. A safe network of cycle lanes, clear traffic markings and physical separations between car and bicycle traffic can all contribute to a safe environment. Examples include wide cycle lanes for fast cyclists and measures at intersections, where many accidents occur. Such a focus on road safety is badly needed in increasingly diverse traffic.
As a cyclist, what can you do for your own safety?
Of course, there are several things you can do as a cyclist to improve your own safety. Now that the clock has been put back one hour, we cycle in the dark more often and for longer. Whether you go to work early in the morning or return from football in the evening; dark roads make traffic more dangerous - especially for cyclists. Good lighting is therefore hugely important but traditional bicycle lights do not always provide nearly enough light, e.g. 71% of all cycling accidents happen sideways.
Ziemi came up with a solution to this. They have developed safety lights that illuminate the moving legs of the cyclist. This makes you easier to see in the dark and other road users are automatically more attentive. Ziemi's lighting makes you visible from the front and side and up to five times safer in traffic.
Besides lighting, in recent years there has been an increasing focus on helmets in traffic. A helmet can prevent serious head injuries in case of an accident. More and more people therefore choose to wear helmets when cycling, especially on e-bikes and speed pedelecs.
Working together for a safer road landscape
The commemoration of cycling casualties reminds us that road safety is a shared responsibility. The increasing number of cycling accidents calls for a coordinated approach: improved infrastructure, awareness of cycling safety and responsible behaviour of all road users. Together, we can work towards a safer traffic landscape so that every cyclist can take to the road with peace of mind.