The number of bicycle accidents in the Netherlands has remained alarmingly high since the pandemic, averaging around 70,000 incidents annually, with a notable spike in 2022. This trend has raised concerns, particularly regarding the safety of vulnerable groups such as older adults and young children. In 2024, approximately four out of ten cyclists who died in accidents were over the age of 55, while one in nine victims was younger than 11 years old. The statistics paint a grim picture of cycling safety in the country.
Martijntje Bakker, director of VeiligheidNL, expressed her concern, stating, "The number of cycling accidents unfortunately remains unacceptably high. Young children also suffer injuries after an accident. There is plenty of reason for parents to set a good example by wearing helmets themselves and ensuring their children do the same." This sentiment highlights the importance of helmet usage, especially as more than 12,500 cyclists involved in accidents have sustained brain injuries.
In response to these alarming figures, VeiligheidNL has launched a campaign aimed at increasing helmet usage among cyclists. Research from the Institute for Scientific Research on Traffic Safety (SWOV) reveals that cyclists who wear helmets have a 60 percent lower chance of suffering severe head injuries in the event of an accident. This statistic underscores the critical role that helmets can play in preventing life-altering injuries.
Interestingly, the issue of fatbike accidents has also come to the forefront. At the end of last year, VeiligheidNL conducted a week-long survey of fatbike accidents. Based on the findings and assuming that week was representative, it is estimated that around 5,000 fatbikers are treated at emergency rooms each year due to accidents. Although the specifics of these incidents were not detailed in the research, the trend raises questions about the safety of these increasingly popular bicycles.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the CBS is set to release data regarding traffic fatalities from the previous year, which is highly anticipated given the concerning trend that has emerged since 2020. Notably, there have been more fatal accidents involving cyclists than motorists in recent years, a shift that has alarmed safety advocates.
The ongoing dialogue about cycling safety has also spurred innovation in protective gear and infrastructure. New inventions, such as smart side lights and innovative helmets, aim to enhance safety for cyclists. These advancements could potentially make cycling paths safer, addressing the growing concern that cyclists are more frequently involved in traffic accidents compared to motorists.
As the Netherlands continues to grapple with the high incidence of bicycle accidents, the emphasis on preventive measures such as helmet usage and improved cycling infrastructure remains paramount. The upcoming CBS report is expected to shed further light on the severity of the situation and may catalyze additional safety initiatives.
