Warning of ghost cyclists: pictograms protect cyclists in the Emsland!

Warning of ghost cyclists: pictograms protect cyclists in the Emsland!

In the Emsland and the county of Bentheim, a new initiative is now being launched to draw attention to the risk of "ghost cyclists". These cyclists move contrary to the prescribed direction of travel and thus endanger themselves and other road users. In particular, there are often dangerous situations when cycling and circular reversals use cycling transitions in the wrong direction. This reports localkompass.de .

The measure includes the installation of pictograms that draw attention to the risk and warn cyclists. Cities like Haltern am See, Duisburg and Coburg have already taken similar measures.

sharpen the awareness of danger

As part of the campaign, Hans-Peter Tölle, bicycle representative of the Paderborn district, and other official representatives, emphasized the danger point in Hövelhof. Traffic accidents are increasing here due to ghost drivers on bicycles. Similar to vehicle traffic, cyclists must comply with the legal driving requirement. This rule also applies to protective strips or cycle paths, a disregard can be punished with 35 euros. Exceptions are only permitted on bike paths, which are released in both directions, reports Hoevelhof.de .

Especially in critical places such as the Paderborner Straße/Wassermannsweg/Am Finkenbach intersection, the danger potential was recognized. Fortunately, there have been no personal injury so far, but the authorities are concerned. The introduction of the pictograms should contribute to the increase in danger consciousness and thus prevent potential accidents.

statistical knowledge and prevention measures

cycling is considered an environmentally friendly form of mobility, but it carries risks. An analysis of the Federal Agency for Roads (BAST) showed that the number of victims of cyclists remained behind the general accident development. Accidents due to disregarded traffic rules, such as driving contrary to the direction, are common. In addition, younger cyclists are particularly affected by accidents. The data show that men have a higher risk of accidents and that people over the age of 65 in particular are threatened in this regard, such as Bast.de Report.

The majority of respondents see distractions such as calls or listening to music as dangerous, with younger people tend to do so. Almost 8% of cyclists stated that they had had an accident in the past three years. Bicycle accidents are often sole accidents, and the scope of the injuries is often significant. A significant proportion of cyclists did not wear a helmet at the time of the accident, which increases the risk of head injuries.

The available data underline the need to raise awareness of the dangers in road traffic. Preventive measures such as training and the improvement of the cycling infrastructure are urgently required to increase the safety level for cycling.