Concerns are mounting over rising cyclist fatalities in Germany, prompting calls for improved road safety measures. The General German Cycling Club (ADFC) is advocating for a speed limit of 70 kilometers per hour (approximately 43 miles per hour) on rural roads lacking dedicated bike lanes.
Frank Masurat, national chairman of the ADFC, emphasized that many rural roads are primarily designed for vehicular traffic. He stated the need for enhanced safety for cyclists, alongside the proposed speed reduction. The club’s broader demands include the expansion of bicycle paths and safer crossing points for cyclists.
While prioritizing infrastructural improvements, the ADFC explicitly opposes a mandatory helmet law, preferring to promote voluntary helmet use. The association believes that prioritizing improved cycling infrastructure remains the most effective approach to accident prevention.
Recent data from the Federal Statistical Office reveals a concerning trend: in 2024, 441 cyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents across the country. Nearly half of these fatalities occurred on rural roads. The number of cyclists killed in traffic has increased by over eleven percent in the past decade, highlighting the urgency for proactive safety interventions.
