SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CYCLIST INJURIES IN CYPRUS - WHAT A EUROPEAN REPORT SHOWS - Filenews 21/4
A significant decrease in serious injuries to cyclists has been recorded in Cyprus over the last decade, according to a new report entitled "Improving cycling safety in Europe (PIN Flash 50)", published on Tuesday by the European Transport Safety Board (ETSC).
More specifically, in Cyprus, serious road accident injuries of cyclists decreased by an average of 7% per year in the period 2014–2024, recording the largest decrease among the countries examined. At the same time, in Cyprus cyclists accounted for 5% of all road deaths for the period 2022-2024, while in the EU the corresponding percentage reached 10%.
At the European level, in 2024, 1,926 cyclists lost their lives on the roads of the European Union. Over the last decade, cyclist deaths have decreased by only 8%, i.e. at an average annual rate of 0.5%, while deaths among users of motor vehicles have decreased at a fourfold rate, about 2% per year. Cyclists now account for 10% of all road deaths, with the report warning that this percentage could increase if additional measures are not taken.
At the same time, serious injuries to cyclists increased by 12% over the same period, while data from hospitals suggest that the true extent of the problem is significantly greater, as in several countries less than 10% of incidents are recorded by the police.
The analysis shows that 65% of cyclist deaths are due to collisions with motor vehicles, with passenger cars responsible for the largest share. At the same time, about 28% of deaths do not involve another vehicle, but are related to falls or collisions with fixed objects.
To achieve the European Union's goal of halving road deaths by 2030, an annual reduction of 6.5% is needed, i.e. a rate thirteen times faster than today, in terms of cyclists.
The report places particular emphasis on the importance of reducing vehicle speeds, pointing out that the risk of death for a cyclist who is drifting at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour is many times higher compared to 30 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the need to develop segregated and quality cycling infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and safe junctions, which can reduce both collisions and accidents related to falls, is underlined.
Particular reference is also made to the increasing use of electric bicycles, as in all countries that have relevant data there is an increase in the deaths of their users, even when the deaths of conventional cyclists are decreasing. In 2024, 455 deaths of electric bicycle users were recorded in 16 EU countries.
Older cyclists are at disproportionately high risk, particularly in those over 80 years of age, while men account for around 80% of victims. Factors such as greater road exposure and driving behaviour are estimated to contribute to this picture.
The report highlights that despite policies encouraging the use of bicycles for environmental and health reasons, the lack of safe traffic conditions creates a substantial contradiction in European transport policies. It is pointed out that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries, however it is emphasized that the main responsibility for improving safety remains in road design and traffic regulation.
The report calls on national governments and European institutions to speed up the implementation of measures, warning that without immediate action, cyclists will continue to be among the most vulnerable groups of road users in Europe.
