Mountain biker rams pedestrian: seriously injured in Esslingen!

Mountain biker rams pedestrian: seriously injured in Esslingen!

A serious accident in Berkheim, Esslingen, caused a stir in the evening hours. On Tuesday evening, at around 9:35 p.m., a 16-year-old mountain biker collided with a 30-year-old pedestrian on a shared footpath and cycle path next to Ruiter Straße. The young biker had not taken the lighting on his bike seriously and overlooked two pedestrians who were traveling in the same direction. He slammed into the woman from behind, knocking both of them to the ground. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and had to be taken to a clinic in an ambulance, while the biker only suffered minor injuries, like Stuttgart News reported.

Unfortunately, accidents like this are not uncommon, and mountain biking has grown in popularity in recent years. This was recently highlighted in a comprehensive study by an Austrian club that addressed the boom and the dangers of this sport. Over 9,000 mountain bikers were injured in 2021, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years. There are particular dangers in difficult landscapes, where technical defects, human errors and external influences can lead to serious accidents, explains Bike Trails Pfannenstiel.

The pitfalls of mountain biking

According to data from the KFV (Board of Trustees for Road Safety), 96% of all accidents occur on descents, with the most common injuries affecting the shoulders. The study also shows that 54% of bikers see driving errors as the main cause of their accidents, while 24% identify unexpected surface conditions as a risk. Breakdowns and technical defects, such as brake failure, could also have devastating consequences, especially if bike maintenance is neglected.

In addition, it is estimated that the proportion of e-mountain bikes, which are increasingly trendy, increased from 1% in 2015 to 11% in 2020. This development could increase the risk of accidents for beginners if they do not have the necessary experience or risk awareness. However, the technology, including the use of ABS braking systems, is not yet sufficiently widespread to provide significant safety benefits, the study shows. It is important that all bikers realistically assess both the route and their own abilities in order to avoid serious accidents.

Accident prevention and safety measures

To reduce the risk of accidents, mountain bikers should observe a few safety measures: A helmet is part of the basic equipment, and other protective equipment such as knee pads can also significantly reduce the risk of injury. Good preparation for the tour is crucial: the choice of route should be tailored to your own abilities and fitness level. It is also advisable to carry a first aid kit with you so that you can react quickly in an emergency. Apart from that, bikers should regularly take further training in riding technique courses in order to be safer off-road.

Accidents like the one in Esslingen show that there is a fire - there is really something going on. So always stay alert and respect other road users so that you can enjoy your passion for mountain biking safely and carefree.