The feeling of safety when cycling in Germany has not improved in recent years. According to a recent survey by the expert organisation Dekra and the market research institute Ipsos, 39 percent of cyclists still feel unsafe or very unsafe in urban traffic. On country roads, this figure is 33 per cent.
Compared to the previous surveys from 2024 and 2023, the study does not show a clearly positive trend. Although the majority of respondents have a good sense of security - in the City traffic 13 per cent feel very safe and 45 per cent feel safe, on rural roads the figures are 17 per cent and 46 per cent respectively - but the high proportion of road users who feel unsafe remains problematic.
"But the fact that so many people still feel unsafe is not a good sign," says Peter Rücker, Head of Dekra Accident Research. "Anyone who wants to get people to switch to bicycles for more daily journeys under the heading of mobility change must make sure that the feeling of safety improves significantly."
Cycling infrastructure should be further expanded
The results of the study show clear starting points for improvements, particularly in terms of infrastructure. The availability and quality of cycle paths are at the top of the list of things respondents would like to see to improve their sense of safety.
Separation from other road traffic is cited as a particularly important factor. These findings are in line with traffic planning recommendations, which consider a clear separation of traffic types to be a safety benefit.
The lack of improvement in the feeling of safety over the last few years indicates that the expansion of cycling infrastructure in Germany has not kept pace with the increasing number of cyclists. However, this development would be crucial for a successful mobility transition in which more people switch from cars to bicycles.
Proportion of e-bikers involved in accidents is rising
The accident statistics for cyclists in Germany show a worrying trend, particularly in connection with the increasing use of pedelecs. The Federal Statistical Office recorded a total of 445 cyclists killed in 2024. This figure has remained virtually unchanged compared to 2023.
However, the high proportion of pedelec users among the casualties is striking: 195 of the 445 fatally injured cyclists had been using a pedelec, which corresponds to a share of 43.8 per cent. In comparison: ten years earlier, in 2014, only 39 of the 396 cyclists killed were travelling on a pedelec (9.8 percent).
"When using pedelecs, the average speed is higher overall than on bicycles without pedal assistance, which also increases the risk of accidents," explains Dekra expert Rücker. The statistics illustrate the extent to which the pedelec boom has changed the number of cycling accidents.
E-bikes are still very popular
The latest Dekra/Ipsos survey confirms the unbroken popularity of pedelecs on the German market. Of those surveyed who intend to buy a new bike in the next twelve months, 67 per cent would opt for a model with electric pedal assistance.
This development is also reflected in the average purchase prices. In the current study, the average price of the respondents' bicycles is €1428, which represents a continuous increase compared to previous years (2024: €1390; 2023: €1153).
This price increase is partly due to the higher proportion of pedelecs, which are generally more expensive than conventional bicycles. As average prices rise, the issue of damage appraisals following bicycle accidents is also becoming increasingly important.
Legal options after a cycling accident mostly unknown
As bicycle prices rise, the professional appraisal following accidents is also becoming increasingly important. Dekra has responded to this by deploying specialised bicycle experts in all 74 German branches.
"Very few bike owners are aware of their legal options if they are involved in an accident through no fault of their own," says Marcel Ott, Head of Damage Assessment at Dekra Automobil GmbH. "For example, as the injured party in a motor vehicle liability claim, they have the right - just like car owners - to appoint an independent expert of their choice."
This information is particularly relevant as high-quality bicycles and pedelecs in particular can represent a considerable value. Accidental damage often involves more than just bent frames or damaged components, but also possible damage to the electronics or battery systems on pedelecs, which require an expert appraisal. The increasing complexity of modern bicycles makes specialised experts increasingly indispensable.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief
