Bicycle accidents rise sharply in Groningen and Flevoland

Research based on Rijkswaterstaat data by Independer shows a significant rise in bicycle accidents across several Dutch provinces, particularly in Groningen and Flevoland.

In Groningen, accidents increased by 16 percent compared to 2019, with 615 accidents recorded last year. The municipality of Groningen reported the highest rate at 15.7 accidents per 10,000 inhabitants. Other areas seeing sharp increases include Stadskanaal and Oldambt.

In Flevoland, accidents rose by 42 percent since 2019, the largest increase of any Dutch province. Almere experienced a 47 percent rise, recording 235 accidents. Almere also holds the highest accident rate in the province at 10.2 per 10,000 inhabitants.

Experts suggest the rise of electric bicycles and fatbikes is a contributing factor. In Flevoland, electric bikes were involved in 29.4 percent of accidents, with fatbikes accounting for nearly three-quarters of those cases. Additionally, the number of injured youths aged 12 to 17 has increased by 53 percent over the last decade.