As early as under the former manager Siegfried Brockmann, the German Accident Research Department of the German Insurance Association (UDV) has been sceptical towards the bicycle category cargo bikes. Kirstin Zeidler has recently been put in charge as new manager. She only just presented a new cargo bike study of her organisation, the results of which were addressed by various daily media, among others by the German news “Tagesschau” on the TV channel ARD as well as by the German Road Safety Council (DVR) in an own press release.
The study focus was laid on the topic child safety during transport by bike. Due to the rising number of accidents in the statistics in connection with cargo bikes, voices are being raised in favour of a stricter legal framework.
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“Reading from bottom to top”
Dirk Zedler, deputy chairman of the industry association Zukunft Fahrrad e.V. and managing director of Zedler-Institut has analysed the study and the resulting reporting.
Zedler’s opinion: “The UDV study published last week and picked up by many media must basically be read from bottom to top. It states 'still comparatively rare', i.e. that there is a relatively small number of children injured in accidents involving bicycles with child seats and trailers as well as cargo bikes. This is in line with the experience made by Zukunft Fahrrad members. Accidents are also rather rare, as even the wildest cyclists are typically rather lamb-like when cycling with a child on board. Nevertheless, UDV carried out a test with the most critical cargo bike in terms of riding stability, which is typically steered simply by a turntable. As a result, they identified relevant risks for riders and children on all types of bicycles. it is out of the question that each accident resulting in injury is one too many. It is therefore essential to take the other side into account, namely the significantly inferior operating risk posed by bicycles and cargo bikes. In front of kindergartens, daycare centres, etc., i.e. precisely the places where the transportation bikes for children are used, the frequency of accidents involving injuries or even, in the worst case, fatalities caused by cars of mother-child taxis is likely to be relatively high. However, accidents resulting from bicycles and cargo bike are virtually zero.”
And he adds: “Especially in the field of trailers and cargo bikes, there is a wide range available on the market. Tricycles are not only available with simple turntable steering, but also with chassis that allow tilting. With these models evasive manoeuvres do not result in toppling over. In addition, some manufacturers have put a lot of thought into raising the passive safety of children to a very high level. It is therefore also up to dealers and consumers to promote such developments through advice and purchases. (...)“
Dirk Zedler also has an appeal and advice for manufacturers in this context: “Since the Babboe case and now the UDV media success, cargo bike providers in particular must be aware that they are no longer unnoticed in the niche. Knowledge of and compliance with regulatory requirements (Europe-wide regulations, directives and applicable standards) are essential to ensure that there are no edges that assailants such as authorities, insurers, etc. can leverage."
Together with Zedler-Institut, Zukunft Fahrrad has organised a training course and an 8-hour workshop on the latter topic for April, which is also open to non-members.
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Read the entire German article online.
Author: Jürgen Wetzstein
Photo: Source: Accident Research Department of the German Insurance Association (UDV)
