In this report cyclists are defined as users of a conventional bicycle or a pedelec/e-bike, i.e., an electric powered bicycle offering pedal assistance up to approximately 25 km/h.
Cyclists are vulnerable in traffic and constitute the only road user group in the EU where the number of fatalities has not significantly declined in the past decade. In 2022, around 2,000 cyclists died in traffic in the EU with many more seriously injured. In October 2023, the European Commission unveiled a proposal for a European Declaration on Cycling with a view to improving road safety and the quality and quantity of cycling infrastructure across the EU.
Fatal cyclist crashes mostly involve motor vehicles accounting for around 70% of the total. Reliable EU-wide data on serious injuries are lacking. It should be noted that non-fatal bicycle crashes are significantly underreported, in particular crashes without the involvement of motorised vehicles. As with other crashes, cyclist crashes are mostly caused by a combination of different crash factors. Infrastructural factors which contribute to the occurrence of bicycle crashes often include the general lay-out of the road or, in case of bicycle crashes involving motor vehicles, the absence of bicycle infrastructure. Furthermore, behavioural factors play an important role: unsafe behaviour of both cyclists and other road users (e.g. speeding, distraction, red light running, and alcohol) increase crash risk.
Cyclists can benefit from several infrastructure measures. To prevent crashes with motor vehicles, it is important to separate cyclists by means of dedicated, physically separated cycle tracks, also near intersections. When motor vehicles and cyclists can meet physically, e.g., at roads without separate cycle tracks and at intersections, the speed of motor vehicles must be very low. To prevent crashes which do not involve motor vehicles, recommended measures include: ensuring there are no obstacles on the cycle track, visual road alignment, sufficiently wide cycle tracks, and a road surface that is skid resistant and free of cracks and potholes.
With respect to the bicycle, adequate lighting is important for cyclists to be seen at night by other road users. Regarding protective measures, evidence shows that bike helmets protect against head and brain injuries in the event of a fall or crash. External car-mounted airbags can also reduce cyclist injuries in the case of a crash. Finally, technological developments such as intelligent speed assistance in cars should discourage car drivers from driving too fast in e.g. 30 km/h zones.
