As exemplary as cyclists are because of their climate-friendly mode of transport, this choice comes with some pitfalls. While the number of road deaths per 1,000 inhabitants fell by 16 percent between 2010 and 2021, the share of road deaths among cyclists is increasing.
Every day, around 3,200 people die tragically in traffic accidents worldwide. According to estimates, there were 1.19 million deaths in 2021. Road accidents are the most common cause of death among children and young people under the age of 29, says Etienne Krug, director of the World Health Organization (WHO) department responsible in Geneva.
30 percent of the fatalities were car occupants, 70 percent were pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and other road users. Only 0.2 percent of roads worldwide have dedicated lanes for bicycles. The WHO, which promotes healthy transport such as walking and cycling, called on governments and authorities to ensure safe cycling routes.
Model countries are Denmark and the Netherlands, according to Krug. Cycling has been made safe with paths that separate cyclists from road traffic.
Cyclists must also provide more protection themselves
Speed limits are important to protect cyclists and other road users. Cyclists themselves should wear a helmet, Krug said. You should ride carefully and make yourself clearly visible with lights on your bicycle and appropriate clothing.
Last year there were a total of 369 road deaths in Austria. Forty of them were cyclists, half were riding an electric bicycle when the fatal accident occurred.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
