Cyclist seriously injured in Hamm-Pelkum: traffic accident shocked!

Cyclist seriously injured in Hamm-Pelkum: traffic accident shocked!

A serious accident occurred on Tuesday, August 12th, around 12:20 p.m. in Hamm-Pelkum. A 49-year-old cyclist from Bergkamen was hit by a car that wanted to cross Alte Landstraße while the cyclist was passing Kerstheider Straße. This incident once again shows the dangers of cycling and the often tragic consequences of traffic accidents.

The cyclist was quickly given first aid on site, but he sustained serious injuries and was transported to Hammer Hospital in an ambulance. He is currently being treated as an inpatient there. If you have any information that could contribute to the accident, the Hamm police press office is available on 02381 916-1006. Further information is available on the Hamm police website available.

Bicycle accidents in German-speaking countries

There is increasing discussion about the safety of cyclists. According to recent statistics, there is a worrying trend: accidents involving cyclists are becoming more and more common, especially in the winter months. This is proven by a study by insurers' accident research (UDV), which shows that almost every second cycling accident involving serious injuries is a single accident. In total, there were around 27,400 cycling accidents in 2023 without anyone else involved, around 6,400 people were seriously injured and 147 cyclists died.

In addition, a study by the Federal Statistical Office shows that 28.3% of bicycle accidents occurred without external influence and that 49.4% of the accidents were self-inflicted. A common cause is technical problems or driving errors, such as overlooking obstacles or making the wrong turn. According to the police, inadequate infrastructure also contributes to many solo accidents. Inadequate road conditions are the deciding factor in one in three solo accidents.

Special dangers in road traffic

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular, even among older people. This makes the situation particularly explosive, as older drivers are often at risk of being seriously injured in accidents. Among Pedelec riders, the proportion of fatally injured people over the age of 65 is as high as 68.8%. In addition, the risk of accidents is higher with e-bikes because they are heavier and accelerate faster, which makes handling more difficult.

The UDV is now calling for drastic changes, such as the elimination of curbs at crossings and a sufficient distance from tram tracks in order to increase the safety of cyclists. Wearing a helmet also plays a role in the discussion about the safety of cyclists, as several studies have proven it can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by up to 80%.

The situation is clear: every bicycle accident is a risk. It is therefore all the more important that both the infrastructure and your own driving behavior are constantly questioned. This is the only way to ensure that accidents like the one in Hamm-Pelkum do not happen again and that cycling becomes safer for everyone.