Shock in Leipzig: Pedestrian bounces with a cyclist!

Shock in Leipzig: Pedestrian bounces with a cyclist!

On Monday afternoon at 3:40 p.m., an unpleasant incident occurred in the South suburb of Leipzig between a pedestrian and a bicycle driver. According to LVZ Cross Kochstrasse without considering the approaching cyclist. As a result, there was a collision in which the 53-year-old cyclist fell and suffered injuries that required inpatient treatment in the hospital. The pedestrian herself wore minor injuries and did not need inpatient treatment. The property damage amounts to around 100 euros. The police initiated criminal proceedings for negligent bodily harm.

Such incidents are not isolated, because road traffic safety is a big issue, especially for cyclists. A current analysis of accident research by insurers (UDV) shows alarming numbers about bike accidents in Germany. As Tagesschau in 2023 alone were recorded about 27,400 bike accidents without further road users. These incidents occur particularly often in the winter months and in unfavorable weather conditions.

bicycle security in focus

Security for cyclists has left a lot to be desired for years. According to the UDV study, there is no other party parties for every third fatal bicycle accident. It is striking that the number of accidents also stagnates on country roads, where increased speeds have to be expected. In the past year, 189 cyclists were fatal, while more than 2,900 were seriously injured. Dangerous nodes and poor street infrastructure represent frequent causes, as the analysis shows.

• 189 killed cyclists on country roads 2023.
• 2,996 seriously injured cyclists on country roads in the same year.
• 42 percent of all killed and 21 percent of all seriously injured cyclists in Germany come from these streets.

The problem of street infrastructure shows, according to the UDV, especially in crossing areas that cause most serious accidents. Here there seems to be the most need for action to increase safety for cyclists. From the point of view of accident research, there are often missing cycle paths and high speed limits of the trigger for dangerous situations.

measures for more security

The UDV calls for a comprehensive improvement in traffic safety for cyclists. Measures such as the creation of secure crossing options, the removal of visual disabilities and the reduction of speed limits to confusing points are urgent. Driving training and the sensitization of all road users are also important in order to avoid such accidents in the future. As the data show, older road users in particular are disproportionately affected by serious accidents.

The discussion about the safety of cyclists after an incident like in the southern suburb remains very topical. Not only the understanding of road users is needed, but also effective measures to ensure security on our streets.