A recent study by Dekra and Ipsos shows that many cyclists in Germany continue to feel unsafe on the roads. A positive trend is not in sight.
The feeling of safety when cycling in Germany has not improved in recent years. According to a recent survey by the expert organisation Dekra and the market research institute Ipsos, 39 percent of cyclists still feel unsafe or very unsafe in urban traffic. On country roads, this figure is 33 per cent. Compared to the previous studies from 2024 and 2023, the study does not show a clearly positive trend. Although the majority of road users feel reasonably safe - 13 per cent feel very safe and 45 per cent feel safe in urban traffic, and 17 per cent and 46 per cent respectively on rural roads - the high proportion of road users who feel unsafe remains problematic. "The fact that so many still feel unsafe is not a good sign," says Peter Rücker, Head of Dekra Accident Research. "Anyone who wants to encourage people to switch to bicycles for more daily journeys under the heading of mobility change must ensure that the feeling of safety improves significantly."
Key factor for more safety
The results of the study show clear starting points for improvements, particularly in terms of infrastructure. The existence and quality of cycle paths are at the top of the respondents' wishes for a better sense of safety. Separation from other road traffic was named as a particularly important factor. These findings are in line with traffic planning recommendations, which see a clear separation of traffic types as a safety gain. The lack of improvement in the feeling of safety over the last few years indicates that the expansion of cycling infrastructure in Germany has not been able to keep pace with the increasing number of cyclists. However, it is precisely this development that would be decisive for a successful change in mobility, with more people switching from cars to bicycles.
More and more cyclists involved in accidents are riding e-bikes
The accident statistics for cyclists in Germany show a worrying trend, particularly in connection with the increasing use of pedelecs. The Federal Statistical Office recorded a total of 445 cyclists killed in 2024. This figure has remained virtually unchanged compared to 2023. However, the high proportion of pedelec users among the casualties is striking: 195 of the 445 fatally injured cyclists had been using a pedelec, which corresponds to a share of 43.8 per cent. In comparison: ten years earlier, in 2014, only 39 of the 396 cyclists killed were travelling on a pedelec (9.8 percent). "When using pedelecs, the average speed is higher overall than on bicycles without pedal assistance, which also increases the risk of accidents," explains Dekra expert Rücker. The statistics illustrate the extent to which the pedelec boom has changed the number of cycling accidents.
Unbroken popularity of pedelecs
The latest Dekra/Ipsos survey confirms the unbroken popularity of pedelecs on the German market. Of those surveyed who intend to buy a new bike in the next twelve months, 67 per cent would opt for a model with electric pedal assistance. This trend is also reflected in the average purchase price. In the current study, the average price of the respondents' bikes is €1428, which represents a continuous increase compared to previous years (2024: €1390; 2023: €1153). This price increase is partly due to the higher proportion of pedelecs, which are generally more expensive than conventional bikes. As average prices rise, the issue of damage appraisals following bicycle accidents is also becoming increasingly important.
After bicycle accidents: Legal options often unknown
As bicycle prices rise, the professional appraisal following accidents is becoming increasingly important. Dekra has responded to this by deploying specialised bicycle experts in all 74 German branches. "Very few bike owners are aware of their legal options if they are involved in an accident through no fault of their own," says Marcel Ott, Head of Damage Assessments at Dekra Automobil GmbH. "For example, as the injured party in a motor vehicle liability claim, they have the right - just like car owners - to appoint an independent expert of their choice." This information is particularly relevant, as high-quality bicycles and pedelecs in particular can represent a considerable value. Accidental damage often involves not only bent frames or damaged components, but also possible damage to the electronics or battery systems on pedelecs, which require an expert assessment. The increasing complexity of modern bicycles makes specialised experts increasingly indispensable.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
