Cycling in Offenbach safely: Helmtrage rate increases - but accidents are increasing!

Cycling in Offenbach safely: Helmtrage rate increases - but accidents are increasing!

The safety of cyclists has become increasingly important in recent years. According to the Federal Agency for Road and Transport, the helmet trage ratio has increased among cyclists and has now reached a new high in almost all age groups. This is particularly important with regard to the increased wheel accidents in the post-pandemic phase. Jürgen Bamberger, operator of the bicycle shop "Artefacts" in Offenbach, reports on an increase in helmet sales and already recorded around 30 helmets this year. In addition, there are different helmets depending on the purpose of use that must meet safety standards such as the CE test seal.

modern helmets often offer additional systems such as "MIPS" that reduce rotary forces in the event of impulses. Experts recommend exchanging helmets after five years or in damage. In Offenbach, the police recorded a total of 145 traffic accidents with cyclists in 2024, whereby about 60% of the cases were due to errors from the cyclists. Knote points such as the Bleichstraße corner of Friedrichstrasse, which was often the scene of accidents in 2023 and 2024, are still particularly dangerous.

bicycle security and infrastructure

Traffic teacher Nicole Vogel observes that many children and adolescents often only wear out of parental pressure and are also often distracted by cell phones or headphones, which affects their safety. The visibility of the cyclists is crucial. Vogel recommends wearing fixed sneakers and avoiding clothes to minimize the risk of accidents.

The infrastructure for cyclists in Offenbach is criticized as inadequate. There are no clear bike paths, visible pictograms and adequate signage. Vogel also expresses skepticism compared to pure bicycle streets as long as cyclists have to share the street with cars and trucks. The situation is not only important in Offenbach; Nationwide, the situation is alarming. A Study of accident research by the insurer shows that the average accident balance on German country roads is concerned: There are four dead and 58 seriously injured. Under cycling.

demands for improvements

In the past ten years, the increase in accidents has been recorded by almost 30 percent, with cyclists being frequently overlooked. The most common cause of the accident is clashes with cars, with car travelers being responsible for the accident in 59 percent of cases. Critical factors such as lack of security measures at accident sites, visual impairments and high speed limits contribute to the endangerment of the cyclists. The UDV therefore calls for safe transitions for cyclists and the removal of obstacles to vision.

Another analysis from the UDV study shows that 32 percent of the serious accidents pass along routes, which confirms the urgent need for safe bike paths. The lack of a requirement for the separation of cycling and car traffic on country roads, especially at speeds over 50 km/h, makes the situation dangerous. Therefore, a determined expansion of existing cycle paths and the use of existing business routes is recommended.

In order to improve the safety of cyclists, the study appeals to all road users, both car travelers and cyclists. Campaigns to raise awareness of safe cycling in both urban and rural areas are urgently necessary.

For further information on the helmet trage quota in cities and other security -relevant topics, interested parties can href = "https://dekraprod-media.e-spirit.cloud/59f0c4f3-818a7-b329-bc991b5a1ce6/media/47-studie-helmtragequote-haupstaedte.pdf"> read here.