Bicycle accident in Lichterfelde: cyclist seriously injured!

Bicycle accident in Lichterfelde: cyclist seriously injured!

In Lichterfelde, a serious traffic accident occurred this morning, in which a 46-year-old cyclist was taken to the hospital. The incident took place at around 7:30 a.m. in Jungfernstieg street, just behind the Promenadenstrasse. A 45-year-old driver opened her vehicle's driver's door while the cyclist drove towards Bahnhofstrasse and collided with the open door. The woman fell and fell on her back. A passing driver immediately brought the cyclist to a clinic, where she was treated intensive medicine due to head injuries. The traffic investment service of the police directorate 4 (south) has taken over the further investigation of the incident, as berlin.de

The accident occurs the worrying Situation for cyclists who are exposed to increasing danger despite the environmentally friendly and health benefits of cycling. According to an analysis by the Federal Institute for Roads (BAST), the number of cyclists who have crashed has not dropped to the same extent in recent years as general accident development. This investigation showed that men have a higher risk of accidents than women, while older people from 65 are particularly at risk. Almost a third of the wheel accidents that lead to serious injuries are sole accidents, which is due to a poor infrastructure and weather conditions. Tram rails and curbs are often mentioned by the cyclists as problem areas, such as bast.de reported.

The dangers of cycling

Accident research The insurers (UDV) has also published alarming knowledge on the accident statistics of cyclists. In 2023 there were approximately 27,400 bike accidents without other participants, of whom around 6,400 people were seriously injured and 147 died. Every third fatal bicycle accident happened without the participation of other road users. The most common causes lie in the weather and an inadequate infrastructure. Especially in the winter months there are increasingly accidents, since these are favored by moisture, ice and foliage. Around two thirds of the cyclists admit that their own driving style has contributed to the accident, which indicates a high level of personal responsibility, as tagesschau.de

The younger age groups, especially the 18- to 24-year-olds, represent the largest group of incorrect cyclists. Nevertheless, the data show that almost half of the injured cyclists travel by bike every day, but only about 11 % of the patients wore a helmet in the accident. The accident reports double in pedelecs that often cause serious injuries because they accelerate faster and are heavier than conventional bicycles.

In order to reduce the number of accidents, experts appeal to the need for reconnaissance campaigns about alcohol consumption and distraction as well as to improve the cycling infrastructure. A stronger surveillance and the topic of "helmet use" should also be part of the solution to increase the safety of cyclists.