The Consumer Safety Institute (SCV) and the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research held a written questionnaire amongst cyclists who were involved in a road accident and were subsequently transported to hospital. The study utilised the Private Accident Registration System (PORS). A technical cycle defect was cited as the principal cause of the accident by 7% of the twelve-year old and older cyclists. Other causes included, for instance, their own behaviour (28%), the behaviour of other road users (27%), and the condition of the road surface (14%). More than half the cyclists aged under twelve years gave their `own behaviour' as the cause. Eight percent of the older cyclists indicated that the accident might have been prevented, if the cycle had been better maintained. This applied in 5% of the cases where the condition of the brakes was poor. Amongst the cyclists, falling whilst riding represented the most common cause of injury (43%). Amongst bicycle passengers, `getting snagged' (feet between spokes) was the most common cause of an accident. Other important aspects examined are: bicycle lighting, bicycle helmet use, bicycle coat protectors, and bicycle seats.
Samenvatting