Tragic accident: E-bike rider run over by tractor on Drau cycle path

Tragic accident: E-bike rider run over by tractor on Drau cycle path

On Saturday afternoon, July 19, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on the Drau cycle path in Molzbichl, Spittal an der Drau district. A 65-year-old tractor driver hit a 73-year-old e-bike driver. The accident happened when the tractor driver tried to overtake the two e-bike riders, consisting of the 73-year-old and a 70-year-old woman.

The tractor with trailer was traveling on the Drauradweg when the 73-year-old was hit by the trailer while overtaking and fell under the rear wheel of the tractor. Despite immediate resuscitation measures by the Red Cross, the e-bike rider tragically died at the scene of the accident. An alcohol test of the tractor driver gave a negative result.

The increase in bicycle accidents

This tragedy comes in the context of a worrying increase in bicycle accidents in Austria. According to an analysis by the ÖAMTC, the number of accidents involving cyclists increased by 69 percent from 2013 to 2022. In 2023, 41 cyclists, including 17 e-bike riders, died. These developments are particularly alarming as sales of e-bikes have also risen sharply in recent years, increasing by 470 percent.

A variety of factors are contributing to this increase. The figures show that solo accidents have increased by 149 percent, while collisions at intersections have increased by 25 percent. What is particularly critical is that over 60 percent of cyclists are considered the main cause of accidents. The causes are frequent disregard of traffic rules, an increasing willingness to take risks and distractions while driving.

Demands to improve safety

The ÖAMTC calls for comprehensive measures to improve road safety for cyclists. These include programs to improve riding skills, especially for e-bike riders, as well as regular checks to monitor compliance with the rules and the technical equipment of the bicycles. An increase in awareness about helmet wearing ethics and traffic rules is also considered necessary.

The tragedy in Molzbichl highlights the urgent need to make cycling safer. Such accidents could potentially be prevented if there are appropriate education and prevention measures that raise awareness among both cyclists and other road users. The current developments are a clear call to action for those responsible for road safety.

For more details on accident statistics and safety measures, please visit reports from Click Carinthia, Pulse24 and ÖAMTC.