The Netherlands is renowned for its love of bicycles, but in 2016, a troubling reality began to emerge. Deaths and injuries for cyclists were going up.
Notably, e-bikes seem to be driving the increases in injuries and fatalities. Women over 55 made up 47 percent of all e-bike injuries. Children up to age 17 made up 22 percent.
Hundreds of thousands of e-bikes are on the road in The Netherlands, and make up 52 percent of all bikes sold.
Infrastructure is not the problem in The Netherlands, where bike lanes line the cities. The problem appears to be user error.
Here is how you can stay safer on your e-bike:
1. Brake earlier and ride slower. Even with assisted pedaling, you have to stop well ahead of stop signs and crossings and sooner than you would on a regular bicycle.
2. Take care when mounting and dismounting. E-bikes appeal to riders of every age and capability. People with mobility issues should be acutely aware of the weight of an e-bike. With batteries, e-bikes are heavier. If they tip, they can injure. Choose a step-through frame to reduce your falling risk.
3. Don't crank your new e-bike up to top speeds immediately. It's natural to want to see how fast your new toy will go, but take the time to feel how the bike handles at lower speeds first.
4. Add lights and a bell. Drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists want to see and hear you coming.
5. Mind the rules of the road. All the road rules apply to e-bikes (and all other bikes). Carefully choose where you ride and always stop at signs and crossings.
