A Fight for Life on European Roads

Cyclists in the UCI: A Fight for Life on European Roads

Cycling in the EU: Between Promotion and Negligence in Road Safety

In the year 2024the roads of the European Union they took the lives of 1,926 cyclists. A chilling fact that reveals a worrying reality: during the last decade, between 2014 and 2024the reduction in cycling mortality has been minimal, just one 8%. This translates into an annual improvement of only 0.5%a ridiculous figure if we compare it with the decrease in 2% annual increase in motor vehicle user mortality, four times faster.

Jenny Carson, co-author of a revealing report from the European Road Safety Council (ETSC), points out a glaring contradiction: “Governments are actively encouraging more people to get around by bike – for the climate, to reduce fossil fuel use and congestion, for public health and for our cities. But they are not providing the safe conditions that cyclists need and deserve.” This statement sums up the paradox that thousands of cyclists face every day.

To achieve the ambitious EU goal to halve road deaths to 2030an overall annual reduction of the 6.5%. This means that, for cyclists, a pace of progress is needed thirteen times greater to the current one. Currently, cyclists represent the 10% of all road deaths in the EU. If significant security improvements are not implemented, this alarming proportion will only increase.

Beyond the fatal figures, the serious injuries of cyclists registered by the police experienced a 12% increase in the same period. However, hospital data suggest a much larger magnitude, as in some countries less than 10% of cyclists injured They even appear in police statistics. This indicates that the reality of cycling accidents is considerably bleaker than official records reflect.

The ETSC report is forceful in pointing out the main causes of danger. He 65% of cyclist deaths in the EU are due to collisions with motor vehicles. Passenger cars are responsible for 44% of these fatalitieswhile heavy goods vehicles (9%) and vans (7%) also contribute significantly to this tragic statistic. The coexistence between bicycles and motor vehicles on public roads continues to be a major challenge.

Given this situation, the ETSC urges national governments and the European Commission to prioritize the speed reduction of motor vehicles. Reducing speed is one of the most effective measures to protect cyclists, since the risk of death for a cyclist hit by 50km/h is drastically higher than that of one run over 30km/h. The difference can be life.

“You can't ask people to use their bikes and then not protect them from high-speed traffic,” Carson emphasizes. “We need lower speeds where cyclists and motor vehicles share space, and we need segregated cycling infrastructure where speed limits exceed 30 km/h. The data could not be clearer: without urgent action, cyclists will continue to pay with their lives.”

The report also reveals that at least 28% of cyclist deaths They do not involve another vehicle. These accidents are due to falls or collisions with fixed elements such as curbs or stationary objects. The majority of serious injuries also occur in these types of incidents, underscoring the importance of improving the quality of cycling infrastructure.

The physical separation of cyclists from high-speed motorized traffic It is presented as an essential element to achieve significant improvements in security. When this segregation is not feasible, the implementation of safe speed limits it becomes imperative. There is an urgent need to increase investment in high-quality segregated cycling infrastructure, including protected lanes, cycle paths and safe crossings across Europe.

Bike lanes that are flat, sufficiently wide and free of obstacles also play a crucial role in reducing injuries and deaths caused by falls or collisions with elements on the road. Well-designed infrastructure not only protects, but also encourages safer and more enjoyable cycling.

The growing promotion of cycling by European governments, driven by environmental and health reasons, collides head-on with the lack of safe infrastructure. This report reveals a fundamental contradiction in transport policy of the EU. In addition, it is recalled that various research indicates that the use of a helmet can reduce head injuries by half and those that are lethal by one. 72%. An additional relevant fact is that men represent the 80% of cycling deaths in the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling Safety in the EU

How many cyclists died in the EU in 2024?

In 2024, 1,926 cyclists died on the roads of the European Union.

What has been the reduction in cyclist deaths in the last decade?

During the decade 2014-2024cyclist deaths fell only one 8%.

What percentage of cyclist deaths are due to collisions with motor vehicles?

He 65% of cyclist deaths in the EU are due to collisions with motor vehicles.

Which measure is considered one of the most effective to protect cyclists?

The speed reduction of motor vehicles is one of the most effective measures.

What is the EU's target for reducing road deaths by 2030?

The objective is halve road deaths from here to 2030.

What percentage of cyclist deaths do not involve another vehicle?

At least the 28% of cyclist deaths do not involve another vehicle.

What percentage of cycling deaths in the EU are men?

The men represent the 80% of cycling deaths in the EU.

What impact does helmet use have on injury reduction?

Helmets can reduce head injuries by half and fatal injuries by one 72%.

What is the importance of physical separation between cyclists and motorized traffic?

The physical separation It is essential to achieve significant improvements in security.

What are governments urged to do to improve cycling safety?

Governments are urged to prioritize speed reduction and increase investment in segregated cycling infrastructure.

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