One man's joy, another man's sorrow: this is another way of reading the annual federal road traffic accident statistics. The fact is that if cars are getting bigger, safer and equipped with more entertainment systems that distract from driving, this is to the disadvantage of cyclists. Because of their slim silhouette, they are poorly recognised even by car assistance systems, let alone by inattentive drivers.
More e-bikes on the roads lead to more accidents. This equation seems to be becoming the standard. What is being ignored is that the number of accidents is not increasing at the same rate as the rapidly growing number of e-bikers. It also ignores the fact that e-bikers not only ride their bikes more often, but also cover longer distances, i.e. spend more time on the road. If the mileage were to be converted to passenger kilometres, as is usual for rail and air travel, there would be no significant difference to the accident figures for normal cyclists.
But of course: every accident is one too many. Cyclists and e-bikers have a common problem in this respect. They are vulnerable due to the lack of a protective bodywork. They are also prone to falls, as they are only travelling in one lane. If the road surface is dirty and obstacles such as tracks, dumbbell covers, road markings, parked cars on cycle paths, curbs or other uneven surfaces (e.g. excrement from horses frozen in winter on cycle paths) are in the way, this can lead to falls or collisions. Two-wheelers also have a longer braking distance because only two tyres - instead of four as in a car - transmit the deceleration to the ground.
For two-wheel handlebars, anticipatory driving in road traffic is therefore essential for survival. However, the best safety concept is of no use against recklessly moving SUVs, the fastest growing group of passenger cars. Due to their design, the cars are so high that, as a cyclist, you always hit the edge of the roof with your face in a side collision. Even the best helmet is of no use there.
There is only one way to make cycling and e-biking safer: Cyclists must also be provided with an adequate infrastructure with sufficient road space so that they can exercise their right-hand drive without being disturbed. Overtaking motor vehicles must (as in Germany) allow two-wheel drivers a proper safety distance.
Instead of focusing one-sidedly on accident figures, the question of how many lives are saved and prolonged by cycling and e-biking should be allowed, especially in Corona times. How much added health value, quality of life and pleasure is generated by cycling. And how much frustration and stress can be avoided by cycling in the city, because you are less forced to stand in traffic jams or to look for a parking space.