According to recent statistics, the number of bicycle accidents rose by 16% in 2022 to almost 97,700, with 470 cyclists being killed – the highest number since 2006.

E-scooter accidents involving personal injury also grew by 49% to 8,260.

This alarming increase has led to the TÜV association calling for the expansion of the cycling infrastructure to better protect cyclists.

The TÜV association believes that the announced reform of road traffic law in Germany is an essential prerequisite for expanding the cycling infrastructure and protecting cyclists.

Municipalities need to have more responsibilities and competencies of their own in order to unbundle road traffic, slow it down if necessary, and enable a smooth and safe coexistence of different forms of transport.

The association also emphasizes the importance of compliance with and monitoring of traffic regulations in two-wheel traffic.

The sharp increase in the number of accidents involving pedelecs is particularly worrying, with 44% of the 470 cyclists who died in 2022 being on a pedelec.

Compared to the previous year, the number of pedelec riders killed has increased by 57%, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.

The TÜV association suggests that more road space is needed for bikes and e-scooters to ensure safety.

End-to-end cycling networks in urban centers and cycle expressways in rural areas could create more direct connections and promote safe cycling.

Furthermore, sufficient and safe parking facilities are scarce in many places, ultimately benefiting pedestrian traffic.

The ban on e-scooter offers in cities is not the solution to the increasing popularity of these vehicles.

Instead, the TÜV association proposes that uniform regulations throughout Europe are created, setting basic requirements for technical safety and the respective road traffic regulations in EU member states, thus promoting acceptance and trust.

In 2021, almost one in five accidents involving electric scooters involved alcohol (18.1%).

This emphasizes the need for increased police traffic surveillance to ensure that aggressive driving behavior, wrong-way driving, and alcohol and drug offenses are punished in the interests of road safety.