Switzerland, Austria Warn of High Injury Risks for Vulnerable Road Users

Swiss law imposes strict liability on car owners for accidents involving cyclists, reflecting the high vulnerability of cyclists. In 2025, 2,347 collisions between cars and bicycles or e‑bikes were recorded, with more than 80 % of cyclists injured and 15 % sustaining severe injuries. The liability framework aims to offset the unequal risk and improve compensation for injured cyclists.

In Austria, the KFV warns that motorcyclists face a risk of injury about 37 times higher than car drivers. Despite this, 45 % of motorcyclists nationwide—and 76 % in urban areas—ride without adequate protective clothing. 2025 saw a record 4,584 injured motorcyclists, a 55 % rise in light‑injury cases since 2000. The organization urges the use of proper gear, including air‑bag systems, to reduce injury severity.