Campaign distance makes sure: We protect cyclists in Burgenland!

Campaign distance makes sure: We protect cyclists in Burgenland!

Burgenland, Österreich - Road safety has improved overall in recent years, but this does not apply to bicycle traffic. This topic is becoming increasingly important, especially in view of the increasing number of accidents with cyclists, which are primarily due to an increased bicycle traffic rate. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 91,281 cyclists were injured in Germany in 2020, 426 were killed. Compared to the previous year, an increase in the injured was 4.8 %, while the number of killed sank by 4.5 % ( Research Information System.de ).

In order to increase safety for cyclists, the cycling lobby starts a new campaign called "distance makes you safe". This initiative aims to sensitize both drivers and cyclists and put pressure on the legislator. The focus of the campaign focuses primarily on the dangers that arise from tight or fast overtaking processes of cars and abruptly open car doors. Cyclists are often forced to master dangerous situations if auto drivers do not adhere to the necessary distance ( radlobby.at ).

claims to politics

In the 33rd amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), which was decided in October 2022, minimum distances were introduced when overtaking cyclists. However, the exception for speeds up to 30 km/h, which is not considered sufficient by the wheel lobby, remains problematic. A legally anchored overtaking distance of at least 1.5 m urban and 2.0 m outside of town is required. In addition, the cycling lobby is committed to a minimum width of multi -purpose strips of 1.75 m to make cycling more secure ( burgenland.orf.at ).

The campaign is financed by crowdfunding to support further traffic safety measures. In order to enforce the required distance regulations, controls from transport policy are also required. In addition, traffic planners are advised to design cycling lanes with a width of at least 2.0 m in order to ensure the safety of the cyclists ( radlobby.at ). The increase in the feeling of security is particularly in the foreground, because according to a survey, 57 % of cyclists feel subjectively, while uncertainty factors such as ruthless drivers and too little separate cycle paths are often mentioned ( Research information system.de ).

recommendations for cyclists and drivers

The Radlobby recommends numerous measures to increase traffic safety. Cyclists should keep a minimum distance of 1.2 m to park to avoid dangers from suddenly opening car doors. Motorists, on the other hand, are encouraged to maintain a distance of 1.5 m in urban and 2.0 m outside of towns and to take a shoulder look before opening car doors. These simple, but effective recommendations can help reduce the risk of accidents significantly ( radlobby.at ).

Overall, it can be seen that improving the infrastructure and the sensitization of all road users are crucial for the perception and improvement of traffic safety. Traffic planners and politicians are required to take measures to sustainably increase the safety in road traffic for cyclists. This is the only way to strengthen the subjective feeling of security in the cyclist and the risk of accidents.