Tragic accident: E-bike driver overrun by Traktor

Tragic accident: E-bike driver overrun by Traktor

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

The tractor with a trailer was on the drauca path when the 73-year-old was hit by the trailer while overtaking and got under the rear wheel of the tractor. Despite immediate resuscitation measures by the Red Cross, the e-bike driver tragically died at the scene of the accident. An alkotest of the tractor driver showed a negative result.

The increase in bicycle accidents

This tragedy is in the context of a worrying increase in bicycle accidents in Austria. According to an analysis of the ÖAMTC, the number of accidents with cyclists increased by 69 percent from 2013 to 2022. In 2023, 41 cyclists, including 17 e-bike drivers, were killed. These developments are particularly alarming, since the sales figures for e-bikes have also risen sharply in recent years and have increased by 470 percent.

A variety of factors contribute to this increase. The figures show that sole preserved accidents have increased by 149 percent, while the collisions of intersections have increased by 25 percent. It is particularly critical that over 60 percent of cyclists are considered the main cause in the event of accidents. The causes are frequent displacements of traffic rules, increasing risk to take risks and also distractions when driving.

claims to improve security

The ÖAMTC calls for comprehensive measures to improve traffic safety for cyclists. This includes programs for improving the driving skate, especially for e-bike drivers, as well as regular controls for monitoring the regulatory loyalty and the technical equipment of the bicycles. An increase in consciousness via helmet trend and traffic rules is also considered necessary.

The tragedy in Molzbichl illustrates the urgent need to make cycling more secure. Such accidents could possibly be prevented if there are corresponding educational and prevention measures that sensitize both cyclists and other road users. Current developments are a clear call for action for those responsible in the area of traffic safety.

For further details on the accident statistics and security measures, please visit the reports from click Carinthia , Puls24 and ÖAMTC .