Sharp Rise in Solo Bicycle Accidents Linked to Poor Infrastructure and Winter Hazards

A new study reveals that one-third of fatal solo bike crashes in Germany are caused by inadequate infrastructure, with most incidents occurring during winter months.

• In 2023, Germany recorded 27,400 solo bicycle accidents, resulting in 6,400 serious injuries and 147 fatalities, according to the Unfallforschung der Versicherer (UDV).
• Poor infrastructure, including uneven curbs and tram tracks, was identified as a factor in one-third of these accidents, with victims often citing it as the primary cause.
• Winter conditions, such as ice, snow, and wet leaves, significantly increase the risk of solo cycling accidents, particularly between December and February.
• The growing popularity of cycling, especially among older individuals and users of faster, heavier pedelecs, has contributed to the rise in solo accidents over the past 15 years.
• Experts emphasize the need for better-maintained bike paths and proactive winter services to reduce accidents, citing successful examples from cities like Copenhagen and Oulu.

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