The province of Zeeland recently commissioned an in-depth study of bicycle crashes involving riders aged over 50. The study looked into 35 crashes involving a person aged over 50 who had suffered a fall or a collision with an obstacle or with another bike or moped rider.

The study produced eight different crash scenario’s: riders falling when getting on or off their bike, falling after hitting (or riding over) an obstacle, riders colliding when one of them is overtaken just as he wants to turn left and a fall in a group of riders.

The scenario’s show how these bike crashes involving riders aged over 50 can arise and which aspects play a role: the surface of the road or track, the rider’s conduct and the type of vehicle.

This information has led to a list of measures thought to have a good chance of reducing the number of crashes involving the over 50’s.

The measures complement existing rules or recommendations for measures to prevent single bike crashes or to improve safety for older bike riders.

The measures include bike improvements, better education leading to enhanced awareness and infrastructural adjustments.