E-bike rider injured in collision in Gelchsheim – what now?

E-bike rider injured in collision in Gelchsheim – what now?

On Friday morning, June 15, 2025, a traffic accident occurred in Gelchsheim, Würzburg district, which once again illustrates the risk for cyclists. A 74-year-old car driver was there when she wanted to turn onto Sonderhöfer Straße. Unfortunately, she overlooked the 71-year-old e-bike rider who had the right of way and the two vehicles collided. Luckily, the e-bike rider was wearing a helmet, which saved her from serious injuries.

Thanks to the helmet, there were only minor abrasions and nosebleeds. Nevertheless, as a precaution, the e-bike rider was taken to the Mainklinik in Ochsenfurt in an ambulance. Such incidents make it clear how important wearing a helmet is, especially for older cyclists who are particularly at risk.

Increasing number of accidents among cyclists

The number of accidents among cyclists is alarming. According to current statistics, one in six traffic fatalities last year was a cyclist. A total of 441 cyclists died in traffic accidents, including 192 on Pedelecs. This is an increase of 11.4% compared to 2014, suggesting there is a critical need to improve cyclist safety. What is particularly worrying is that 63.5% of fatally injured cyclists were 65 years of age or older, as [Federal Statistics](https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Press Releases/2025/04/PD25_N020_461.html) shows.

Overall, there was a positive trend in 2024 when looking at road deaths in general: they were 18.3% lower compared to ten years ago. Nevertheless, the proportion of seniors without an auxiliary engine who have an accident remains extremely high at 59.4%. In particular, Pedelec users who are 65 years of age and older represent a significant proportion of cyclists who have fatal accidents, at 68.8%.

Accident analyzes and their causes

An analysis of the accidents shows that another road user was involved in over 67.7% of the 92,882 bicycle accidents resulting in personal injury. In almost 70.7% of these cases, this was a driver. It is worrying that cyclists are considered the main culprits in around 50.7% of accidents resulting in personal injury. In accidents involving pedestrians, they were the main culprits in 57.0% of cases, while the proportion for motorcycles was 50.2%. But it is interesting that cyclists were primarily at fault in accidents involving drivers in only 24.7% of cases, which gives hope for better coexistence on the road.

These numbers and incidents, like the one in Gelchsheim, clearly show that a rethinking of road traffic is necessary. More attention and right of way is needed for cyclists and especially for older users. After all, they are numerous on our roads and contribute to getting around in our communities. No matter whether young or old, everyone should reach their destination safely and unscathed.