Advocacy Push for Enhanced Security for Cyclists in the Northern Region
In an effort to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists, the government of Schleswig-Holstein has launched its annual road safety campaign, aptly named 'Arrive Better'. The campaign, funded by the state government, aims to promote consideration and adherence to rules among all road users.
The central message of the 'Arrive Better' campaign is simple: Consideration benefits everyone - because every accident is one too many. The campaign's motif includes three typical traffic situations where cyclists are particularly at risk: a "dooring" accident, a pedestrian distracted by headphones crossing the street on red, and a cyclist riding the wrong way on a bike lane.
CDU state parliamentarian Thomas Jepsen, who has been a vocal advocate for cyclist safety, believes that the 'Arrive Better' campaign will help ensure all road users adhere to the rules and be considerate. He has emphasized that this goal is a key part of the state's cycling strategy.
The campaign is estimated to cost 140,000 euros per year. Susanne Henckel, Transport State Secretary in Schleswig-Holstein, stated that especially in cycling, consideration is the top priority.
Last year, 15 people were killed, 635 seriously injured, and 4,290 slightly injured in cycling accidents in Schleswig-Holstein. The state government and state police are focusing their current prevention campaign on cycling due to the high number of accidents.
The 'Arrive Better' campaign focuses on increasing cyclist and motorist awareness about sharing the road safely, promoting helmet use and visibility enhancements, educating on traffic rules and safe cycling behaviours, encouraging infrastructure improvements, and collaboration with local authorities, police, and cycling associations.
For detailed, current specifics on Schleswig-Holstein’s campaign, including exact focus areas, budget, and strategy, it would be necessary to consult Schleswig-Holstein’s state government or Ministry of Transport websites, local police or road safety authorities, and cycling associations active in the region.
Jepsen stated that achieving this goal requires all road users to adhere to the rules and be considerate. He believes that the 'Arrive Better' campaign may contribute to this. The campaign is a part of the state's cycling strategy, as stated by the CDU state parliamentarian Thomas Jepsen.
Science and health-and-wellness initiatives could include promoting research on improving cycling safety, such as studying the effects of helmet use on reduced head injuries. Furthermore, fitness-and-exercise programs for cyclists might focus on teaching proper positioning and behaviors, enhancing awareness and reflexes to reduce the risk of accidents.
