Biking is the trend
Long queues in front of many bike dealers show: Cycling is no longer just a leisure activity. The bicycle is now used by many people as an alternative means of transportation. The sales figures of recent years confirm that pedelecs in particular are becoming increasingly popular. Since 2015, the number of bikes with electric drive sold has almost quadrupled. Sales have risen from around 500,000 bikes sold to 1.95 million. The proportion of cyclists in daily traffic is also steadily increasing in the Düren district.
Although there were fewer traffic accidents, fewer injuries and fewer fatalities on the roads nationwide in 2020, the latest accident statistics show that cyclists, especially pedelec riders, are increasingly involved in traffic accidents.
Almost one in four casualties is a cyclist
In 2020, a total of 237 cyclists were involved in accidents in the district of Düren, of which 194 were cyclists and 43 were pedelec riders. Compared to the total number of people involved in road traffic accidents, the proportion of cyclists and pedelec riders involved in accidents is 23.5%. This means that cyclists were involved in almost one in four road accidents with personal injury. In particular, the number of pedelec riders involved in accidents has risen significantly in recent years.
Rawlessness, safety distance, failure to give way
Three types of accidents can be distinguished
1. single-vehicle accidents
2. accidents that were not caused by the cyclist
3. accidents in which the cyclist was at fault
Around 30% of cycling accidents are so-called single-vehicle accidents. This means that a cyclist fell without the involvement of another road user. In these accident situations, a lack of attention, the influence of alcohol, but also a misjudgement of the road conditions usually play a role in the cause of the accident.
If cyclists and other road users were involved in an accident, the other road user, usually a car, was responsible for the accident in around 62% of cases. Whether when turning, giving way or opening the car door - in most cases, cyclists were overlooked or not noticed by motorists.
When cyclists were at fault for an accident, the cause was often a failure to give way, incorrect road use or insufficient safety distance. Accidents due to incorrect road use were mainly caused by disregarding the right-hand traffic regulations and using roads that were not open to cyclists. Accidents caused by a lack of safe distance occurred primarily between cyclists and between cyclists and pedestrians.
Europaplatz accident blackspot
Most accidents in the district of Düren occurred in urban areas. One particularly accident-prone location for cyclists is Europaplatz in Düren. There are so-called cycle lanes here for cyclists to cross the road. If cyclists wish to use these cycle lanes, they must give way to vehicles on the road. However, as the cycle lanes are located directly next to crosswalks, many cyclists think that they have the right of way together with pedestrians and ride over the ford without stopping. For this reason, six cycling accidents have occurred in the last three years. This makes Europaplatz a so-called accident blackspot.
Solutions to the problem are being developed by the accident commission. In recent years, the accident commission has already had changes made to the signage on Europaplatz. As these have not had the desired effect, structural changes to the traffic circle are currently being examined.
For cyclists
Stay alert! - Whether in a car, on a bike or on foot: all your senses are needed in road traffic, especially in bad weather. Any distraction increases the risk of an accident.
A clear head on the road! - A clear head is not only required when riding a bicycle in road traffic. Alcohol and other drugs are not compatible with this.
Notice me! - Good recognizability of cyclists is essential for avoiding dangerous situations. Clothing and lighting equipment should be designed with this in mind.
Watch out for cars! Cyclists must also pay attention to other road users and observe the right of way rules. It is often forgotten that cyclists must dismount when using crosswalks in order to have the right of way. If cyclists ride across the crosswalk, they must give way to vehicles on the road.
Stay on the right path! - Cyclists are also subject to rules on the correct use of the road, such as the right-hand driving requirement or the mandatory use of designated cycle paths. This can prevent accidents with other road users who do not pay attention to cyclists coming from unexpected directions or paths. Also important to know: Cyclists who share their path with pedestrians must ride at walking speed!
Keep your distance! This also applies to cyclists - especially among themselves. Cyclists must also keep a safe distance from vehicles in front, but also when overtaking other cyclists or pedestrians.
Train safe cycling! - Take part in our pedelec training! This is aimed at senior citizens who can practise riding safely on a pedelec.
For car drivers
Attention! - Also applies to motorists. Especially when turning or driving in, cyclists must be expected to cross!
Overtaking only at a safe distance! - It is never impossible for cyclists to deviate from the lane. The overtaking distance must always be sufficient - 1.50 meters within built-up areas and 2 meters outside built-up areas. This also applies if the cyclist is safely on a cycle lane.
Look briefly over your shoulder! - When getting out of the car, you should always look over your shoulder so that cyclists are not overlooked. The so-called "Dutch grip" also helps to get a better view of traffic behind you: open your car door with the opposite hand (driver's side = right hand, passenger side = left hand). This will automatically turn your body and your gaze will be directed backwards almost automatically!
