Groningen's Initiative to Promote Bicycle Safety Through Helmet Campaign
Groningen's Initiative to Promote Bicycle Safety Through Helmet Campaign
In response to the rising accidents rate, Groningen's Helmet Campaign is offering discounts to promote safe and responsible cycling
Groningen has launched a campaign called 'Groningen puts it on' in an effort to promote bicycle safety. The campaign aims to encourage residents to wear helmets while cycling, and offers a discount of 25 euros on approved helmets at local bicycle shops across the province.
The initiative comes in response to a concerning rise in bicycle accidents, reflecting a broader national trend. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported a 27% increase in cycling victims with serious injuries over the past decade. Research shows that wearing a helmet can substantially reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of an accident. Cyclists wearing helmets have been found to have a 60% lower risk of serious head and brain injury, and a 70% lower risk of fatal injury.
Last year, there were 648 traffic-related fatalities in the Netherlands, with an increase in cyclist deaths. E-bike accidents, particularly among individuals over 75, have emerged as a significant concern, constituting a substantial portion of cyclist fatalities. Notably, more men than women were killed in traffic incidents, with over 40% of cyclist fatalities attributed to collisions with vehicles.
In light of these alarming statistics, Groningen's helmet campaign seeks to normalise helmet usage among cyclists of all ages and backgrounds. Deputy Johan Hamster emphasises the importance of instilling this new behaviour, aiming to make helmet-wearing a common practice among the province's residents. By promoting safety measures like helmet usage, Groningen aims to ensure that cycling remains a healthy and secure mode of transport for its population.
Residents who are interested in benefiting from the discount can visit the participating bicycle shops until May 8th, or until the allocation of 1,600 discounted helmets run out. This campaign is a collaboration with Verkeerswijzer Groningen, and its purpose is to promote a culture of safety-conscious cycling in Groningen. It aims to provide comprehensive information and support through its website www.fietshelmgroningen.nl.