Cycling in the Czech Republic. Credit: RADKA ZAKOVA

Cycling fatalities have increased in the Czech Republic in 2012. Bicycle advocates say that cycling infrastructure is failing to keep up with demand. 

According to new figures released in the Czech Republic, 64 cyclists were killed on Czech roads in 2012, 14 more fatalities than the previous year. The figures come at a time when overall road fatalities are at their lowest in 50 years, with a total of 681 fatalities (which equally worringly includes 146 pedestrians).

Cycling organizations in the Czech Republic say that a lack of cycling infrastructure is responsible for the growth in fatalities.

“There’s a positive trend that Czechs are cyling more than ever," explains Daniel Mourek, Vice-President of the European Cyclists‘ Federation (ECF), and an active cycle advocate in the Czech Republic.

7.2% of Czechs say that cycling is their main made of transport. The capital city of Prague has also seen a yearly increase in cycling numbers by 47% in 2011, and by 15% in 2012. But this growth in cycling has not been matched by infrastructure.

“Improvement in  infrastructure is lacking. We’re  seeing shrinking budgets for safe cycle trail construction especially on the national level and in large cities like Prague or Brno. Investment is needed in the long term," adds Mourek.

Despite the rise in fatalities, cycling still remains a safe bet, and not as dangerous as the media often portrays. 

"Cycling is not an inherently dangerous activity, it is equivalent to walking per distance or time travelled. However it is viewed as dangerous by many people and this is a fundamental misunderstanding," says Ceri Woolsgrove, ECF's Road Safety Officer.

"It is a misunderstanding that authorities must put right otherwise it will be difficult to get more people on bikes if it is seen as a risky activity. You will of course need high quality infrastructure, which helps with the safe image of cycling and more importantly, also combats actual fatalities and injuries."

About the Author

Julian Ferguson is the Communications Officer for the European Cyclists’ Federation. Originally hailing from Australia and a keen bicycle advocate, he plans one day to ride his bicycle from Brussels to Melbourne