Are there more casualties among young cyclists at the start of the school year?

Answer

In the years 2005-2014[i], the number of seriously injured road users among cyclists aged 12 was higher in September than in other months (see Figure 3). A possible explanation is that, at that time, they cycle to their secondary schools for the first time. Initially, they have to get used to a new, often longer route and sometimes to a new bicycle. Among other age groups the increase in September casualties is less high.

Figure 3. Distribution of seriously injured cycling children by age group across the year; 2005-2014 averages. Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) and Dutch Hospital Data (DHD).


[i] This graph presents percentages instead of absolute numbers, since the absolute numbers of seriously injured road users by age group are not reliable enough.

Part of fact sheet

Children aged 0-14

Children are a vulnerable group among road users. They are, after all, still building up skills which will eventually allow them to become… Meer

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