Serious bicycle accident: 64-year-old biker injured on the petzes!

Serious bicycle accident: 64-year-old biker injured on the petzes!

On Friday, June 20, 2025, a serious bicycle accident occurred on the Flow Country Trail, at a height of around 1100 meters. A 64-year-old vacationer from Germany fell while driving on the mountain bike. The incident was immediately reported by the rescue workers and the injured person had to be recovered with a rescue helicopter. The team of the rescue helicopter C11 took over the rope rescue and after the initial care on site, made transport to the UKH Klagenfurt. The woman suffered serious injuries that required immediate medical treatment.

The Flow Country Trail is known for its demanding conditions that challenge both experienced and less experienced mountain bikers. The incident shows the potential dangers associated with mountain biking in mountainous regions. The increasing interest in this sport has led to an increased number of accidents in recent years.

increase in mountain bike accidents

As a current study by the Board of Trustees (KFV) shows, mountain biking is booming in Austria, with both trails and bike parks become increasingly popular. The number of accidents increases alarming: In 2021, over 9,000 mountain bikers injured themselves, while on the long -term average of around 6,500 injuries per year. The situation in bike parks is particularly critical, where 32% of accidents are done, although only 14% of the bikers use them regularly.

The statistics also prove that 96% of accidents happen during departures. At 78%, men are disproportionately affected by injuries, which indicates the often more risky driving behavior. On average, bikers reach speeds of up to 29 km/h in bike parks and up to 70 km/h on forest paths, which also increases the risks.

prevention and security

The top priorities should be the security and prevention of injuries. The study calls on mountain bikers to adapt tours to their own fitness and driving technique. It is also recommended to regularly wait and wear the bicycle equipment and to wear suitable protective equipment such as helmets, knee linen and elbow protection. In particular, the high helmet cover of 95% under eyewitness shows that there is great awareness of security, but the number of accidents remains worrying.

The rescue operation on the Petzen emphasizes the need to be well prepared. This also includes informing relatives about the planned route in the event of an emergency and charging the cell phone. Apart from driving skills, consideration of nature and other users of the paths is emphasized.

The incident on June 20 is an urgent appeal for more mindfulness and security when it comes to mountain biking, especially in the increasingly popular mountain regions. The growing interest in e-mountain bikes, which has been a 30% sales increase since 2017, is also a factor that changes the dynamics and challenges of mountain biking.

Klick Carärnten reports of the tragic accident, while My district provided the details of the rescue operation. For further information on the accident statistics and prevention measures in mountain bike sport, the study of the Kuratorium for traffic safety