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Bicycle Safety in Europe: Toward Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Despite overall improvements in road safety across Europe, cycling remains disproportionately dangerous. Cyclists account for a growing share of fatalities and serious injuries, even as total road deaths decline. This FERSI position paper summarizes the current state of bicycle safety, highlighting persistent fatality levels (1,800–2,100 annually), and the overrepresentation of older adults and male cyclists in fatal crashes. Urban areas and intersections are key risk locations, while seasonal patterns suggest increased exposure without corresponding safety gains. The rise of e-bikes introduces distinct injury patterns and reinforces age-related vulnerabilities. Cyclists now account for nearly one-quarter of all serious road injuries in the EU. The paper identifies key challenges, including inconsistent infrastructure, fragmented legislation, and insufficient awareness among road users. It concludes with policy recommendations focused on harmonized standards, safer infrastructure, improved data collection, and targeted education to support safer cycling across Europe.

Source: Lecture notes in mobility

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-37170-6_101