In the ever-evolving landscape of urban mobility, safety is a priority for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. The latest findings from the DEKRA Road Safety Report 2024, titled “Traffic Environments for People,” offer invaluable insights into how infrastructure plays a pivotal role in reducing accidents and improving road safety. This year’s study highlights a key concern for cyclists: rigid bollards on cycle paths pose a high risk of accidents. The report’s findings support the growing importance of flexible bollards as a safer alternative.
The DEKRA Cargo Bike Crash Test: Rigid vs. Flexible Bollards
As cities worldwide adapt to accommodate active forms of mobility, including cycling and walking, the implementation of bollards has become more common. These devices serve to delineate spaces, ensuring cycle and footpaths remain clear of vehicles and preventing misuse of infrastructure. However, DEKRA’s independent crash tests show that rigid bollards can cause significant risks, especially in the event of a collision with cyclists.
In a crash test conducted at DEKRA’s specialized test center in Germany, a cargo bike was subjected to two tests: one against a rigid bollard and another against a flexible bollard. The results of the tests were starkly different.
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Rigid Bollard Test: When the bike collided with the rigid post, the deceleration was so abrupt that it caused the dummy rider to be thrown forward, resulting in a high likelihood of serious injuries. The impact also lifted the bike, causing it to tip over.
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Flexible Bollard Test: In contrast, when the cargo bike collided with the flexible bollard, the bike simply rolled over the post, and the bollard returned to its upright position without causing any significant deceleration. The test revealed that the rider remained in control of the bike, highlighting the superior safety of flexible bollards.
How Flexible Bollards Enhance Safety
The flexibility of these bollards provides several advantages:
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Minimized Risk of Injury: As demonstrated in the DEKRA crash test, flexible bollards allow cyclists to continue their journey with minimal impact, significantly reducing the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
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Protection in All Conditions: Flexible bollards are designed to withstand impacts from both cyclists and motor vehicles, minimizing infrastructure damage and preventing costly repairs.
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Safer for All Road Users: Flexible bollards offer enhanced safety not only for cyclists but also for other vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, e-scooter riders, and drivers. Their design ensures that they do not create dangerous obstacles in the way of those navigating the road.
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Long-Term Durability: Flexible bollards are typically made from high-quality materials, ensuring that they can withstand repeated impacts without losing their structural integrity.
The Rising Risk of Accidents Due to Rigid Bollards
DEKRA's research highlights a growing concern: as bicycles become faster and more widely used, the risk of accidents with rigid objects such as bollards increases. In the Netherlands, studies show that rigid posts and similar elements account for a significant portion of bicycle accidents. As e-bikes and cargo bikes become more common, the potential for accidents involving rigid bollards is expected to rise.
Markus Egelhaaf, a DEKRA accident researcher, stresses the importance of considering holistic road safety when implementing traffic infrastructure. While bollards are necessary for creating safe and clearly defined spaces, their design must prioritize the safety of all road users.
The Future of Road Safety: Prioritize Flexible Bollards
The DEKRA report advocates for the use of flexible bollards, especially in environments where active mobility is prioritized. Their ability to reduce the risk of injury, protect infrastructure, and ensure a smoother experience for cyclists makes them an essential component of modern road safety.
At SERNIS, we are committed to providing high-quality flexible bollards designed to enhance safety and minimize the risk of accidents. As highlighted by the DEKRA study, flexible bollards are an effective solution for improving road environments and safeguarding cyclists and pedestrians.
Conclusion
The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2024 provides compelling evidence of the need to re-evaluate the role of rigid bollards in our road systems. The findings from DEKRA’s crash tests highlight the advantages of flexible bollards in reducing risks and improving road safety. By prioritizing the use of flexible bollards, we can ensure safer cycling paths and footpaths for everyone.
For further details on the DEKRA study, we encourage you to explore the full report here: https://bit.ly/rigidbollardsriskstudy.
