After a corona-related decline, the number of bicycle accidents in Bavaria is increasing massively again: for the period from January to May 2022, the number rose significantly by 32.6 percent from 4540 to 6019 compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of the Interior announced this on Wednesday at the request of the German Press Agency. The number of cyclists killed rose by 35.7 percent from 14 to 19 and that of injured cyclists by 33.1 percent from 4141 to 5513. In 2021 as a whole, the police registered 17,205 accidents involving cyclists across Bavaria, and 19,212 in 2020.
With a new campaign, the state government, the ADFC Bayern and the ADAC want to promote more consideration for cyclists. A sensor is also used to measure distance. Since April 2020, according to the Road Traffic Act, motor vehicles have had to keep a distance of at least two meters to the side when overtaking cyclists outside of built-up areas and at least 1.5 meters in built-up areas.
But those who cycle in Bavaria often experience a different reality. In order to be able to better document the problem, the ADFC Bayern and ADFC Munich are backing a new project in which a small sensor on the wheel measures the distance to overtaking vehicles. “If motorists and cyclists stick to the rules together, many and especially serious traffic accidents can be prevented,” said Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. For Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (both CSU), a well-developed cycling infrastructure is the best protection against accidents. This is the best way to keep distances.
Even if, according to an ADAC survey, more than 80 percent of drivers are aware of the minimum distance in urban areas when overtaking, the correct assessment and implementation could be a challenge, said Thomas Dill, board member for traffic, technology and the environment at ADAC Nordbayern. He appealed to all road users not to overtake bicycles if in doubt.