Security on Vienna's streets: Tips for illuminated cyclists in winter
Security on Vienna's streets: Tips for illuminated cyclists in winter
In the Austrian capital Vienna, an alarming number of bicycle accidents occurred last year. According to the Statistics accident statistics, a total of 1,227 accidents with cyclists were recorded in 2023. 1,107 people suffered slight and 112 serious injuries. Fortunately, there were no deaths among the cyclists. The causes of these accidents are very diverse. Priority injuries, red light absence and distractions occur particularly frequently. It is striking that cyclists are about a third of the cases themselves.
In view of the approaching colder months and the changed weather conditions, it is particularly important to pay attention to safety in road traffic. Autumn not only brings poor visibility, but also shorter days that additionally impair visibility for cyclists. In this context, the Board of Trustees for Road Safety (KFV) has worked out some tips that are intended to increase the safety of cyclists.tips for improving traffic safety
Klaus Robatsch, the head of the KFV traffic safety department, recommends cycling to cyclists not only in the dark but also during the day. This increases the visibility significantly. Light and reflective clothing should also be worn and the speed should be adapted to the visibility. A forward -looking driving and interaction with other road users through eye contact are also advisable. Finally, the visibility should be further improved by legally recommended measures, such as LED wheel valve lights.
A survey shows that cyclists feel safer on cycle paths than in mixed traffic. The KFV therefore speaks for the expansion of high -quality bicycle infrastructure. If there are no bike paths, the speed of the car should also be reduced to protect cyclists.
legal guidelines and claims
The legal requirements are clear: bicycles must be equipped with a white or light yellow front light. The light intensity must be at least 100 candela, while the rear light is red and at least one candela has to be reached. Lighting elements such as red flashing lights are permitted. An existing dynamo must adhere to the prescribed light values at a speed of 15 km/h. The ÖAMTC.
offers further information on the legal requirements for bicyclesIn order to further increase the safety of the cyclists, the KFV pleads for more space for cyclists and the separation of bicycle traffic from the vehicle traffic flows, especially in areas at high speeds. Klaus Robatsch emphasizes: "Either drivers have to drive slower, or we need more separate bike paths and bicycle roads in Austria." The challenges in the field of traffic safety require community efforts and ongoing sensitization in order to make cycling more secure in Vienna. Further information on this problem can be found on www.meinbezirk.at can be read.
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