More than four out of ten cyclists still ride without a helmet
The Swiss Office for Accident Prevention announced on Wednesday that nearly 44% of cyclists on a non-motorized bicycle ride without a helmet.
The helmet, recalls the prevention office, is a simple measure to reduce by half the number of head injuries in the event of an accident. (Illustrative photo)
KEYSTONE/EPA/Ana Escobar
More than four out of ten non-motorized cyclists still do not wear a helmet, worries the Swiss Office for Accident Prevention (bfu). And for slow e-bikes, a third ride without this basic precaution, according to the latest 2022 survey.
Compared to 2021, the figures are stable, noted the bpa on Wednesday. No less than 44% of cyclists on a “classic” bike still ride without a helmet, compared to 43% in 2021.
In addition, “too few electric bikes circulate with daytime running lights”, worries the prevention organization. The latter recalls that last year, nearly 1,400 cyclists, equipped or not with an electric motor, were seriously or fatally injured in traffic accidents in Switzerland.
The long-term trend is not encouraging, warns the bfu: the number of serious accidents with electric bicycles is constantly increasing and that of non-motorized bicycles is stagnating at a high level.
Halve the number of head injuries
The helmet, recalls the prevention office, is a simple measure to reduce by half the number of head injuries in the event of an accident. However, many two-wheelers neglect to put it on, especially when they go shopping.
If it is not for “slow” e-bikes (pedal assistance up to 25 km/h), wearing a helmet is compulsory on fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h). But one in ten cyclists in this last category still does not protect themselves.
ATS
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