In 2020, 229 cyclists were killed in traffic, according to new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). That is the highest number in 25 years. The Fietsersbond finds this rise shocking and calls for immediate action. Director Esther van Garderen: “This cannot wait for the formation of a new cabinet. We have to act now. ”

Speed ​​down, maintain better

According to Fietsersbonddirector Esther van Garderen, it is important to take concrete action. “The speed in our villages and cities really has to be up to 30 kilometers per hour as quickly as possible, and it has to be strictly enforced. It should not be the case that a cyclist's life is jeopardized because a motorist can continue to drive on an empty road.

In 2020 we started cycling a lot more during the corona period. Nevertheless, the increase in the number of fatal bicycle accidents is unexpectedly high. The fact that the increase is so great proves that in the Netherlands we have to take road safety much more seriously. No causes can be ascertained from the CBS figures, but other research seems to show that motorists speeding more often on empty roads. Due to the greater congestion on the cycle path, the risk of unilateral accidents has probably also increased, according to the Fietsersbond.

For one-sided accidents, it is important to invest heavily in cycling infrastructure. “Wider cycle paths without obstacles that cyclists can hit or dangerous edges. The solutions have been around for a long time, and there are also plans to implement them, but we really have to get on with it now, ”says Esther van Garderen. More money will really have to go to municipalities, so that they can invest this in safe cycling infrastructure.

Also read: Fewer fatalities in traffic last year