Schwerin: Traffic accidents endanger cyclists and pedestrians massively!

Schwerin: Traffic accidents endanger cyclists and pedestrians massively!

In the traffic world, a lot is happening - and not always for the best. The traffic situation in cities like Schwerin is not particularly beaming in positive light, and cyclists are the most at risk. The latest accident statistics for 2024 were presented and the numbers speak a clear language. 180 cyclists were injured last year, which corresponds to an injured person every two days. Overall, the number of injured people rose from 324 to 348 - an increase of 7.4 %. The statistics show that the traffic situation for cyclists is increasingly exhausting, because with 40 % of the injured, they provide a worrying majority, although they are only involved in 3 % of all registered accidents. A very clear wake -up call, something needs to be done urgently!

What is it going? The total number of traffic accidents remained almost constant at 3,057, which means a slight increase of 0.4 % compared to the previous year. But what many do not know: Over 50 % of all of these accidents were in conjunction with parking spaces. Tragically, this problem merges with recurring reports on driver flight - a problem that is known to increase. In 2024, 956 registered cases were recorded. Every support for the police is more than necessary here, because security on the streets should come first, especially for the weaker road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

recognize special dangers

"Traffic safety is very important to us," emphasized Interior Minister Christian Pegel (SPD) and emphasized the importance of traffic education. In 2024, a total of 183 events were carried out, which spoke around 4,000 children and adolescents. At a time when more and more people switch to the bike or e-scooter, traffic education is indispensable. It is not only the number of accidents that is worrying, but also the fact that 63.5 % of the cyclists killed were older than 65 years in 2024. If you think of the future, in particular the booming pedelec use, it becomes clear how important a healthy way of dealing with the bike is.

A look beyond the city limits shows that there is also a nationwide alarm mood. According to the Federal Statistical Office, a total of 441 cyclists were killed in accidents in 2024. That is 33 less than in 2023, but an increase compared to ten years ago. So every sixth traffic fatality in Germany was a cyclist. In addition, 43.5 % of the fatally injured cyclists were on the road with an e-bike-one main reason why this group of dangers is particularly focused on. So where do we stand there today? A better understanding of this medium and its users is urgently needed.

causes and solutions

to throw a critical eye on the essential causes of accidents is the next step: disregarding the right of way, excessive speed and too small distance are the most common causes of personal injury. Drivers wore the main debt in 75.3 % of the cases in which an accident occurred with cyclists. This once again underlines the need to improve the coexistence in traffic and break through dangerous behavior patterns. Ultimately, the challenge is to promote a harmonious coexistence in road traffic that is not at the expense of security.

The situation is serious, but there is hope. Increasing initiatives for traffic education and the sensitization of all road users are the key to a better future. "It is up to all of us to stand up strongly for safety in road traffic," said Pegel. And that's more than just an empty phrase: let's take a step in the right direction together.

We not only have to rely on statistics, but also actively work on a better transport situation for cyclists and pedestrians. Each individual and every step counts in the right direction. The numbers from Schwerin are an impressive example of how important it is to be taken seriously. If you take a close look at the statistics, it becomes clear that the need for action is great!