Riders Club
Bike helmet mandate in the Netherlands: What you need to know about the new rules
The Dutch government aims to increase cyclist helmet use from 4% to 20% within a decade. Transport Minister Barry Madlener's plan focuses on voluntary adoption while considering mandatory helmets for e-bikes and fat bikes due to their higher speeds and...
Bike helmet mandate in the Netherlands: What you need to know about the new rules
Cycling through Amsterdam yesterday, I counted helmets on just 3 out of 75 passing cyclists. That's pretty typical for the Netherlands, but it may not be for much longer. Transport Minister Barry Madlener has recently announced a significant shift in...
E-bike risks: Helmets, age, and accident registration
E-bikes in the Netherlands present a growing safety concern, particularly for older riders, as they're classified the same as traditional bicycles despite reaching sustained speeds of 25 km/h. This article examines the challenges of inadequate accident registration for e-bikes, debates...
E-bike risks: Helmets, age, and accident registration
I watched my 70+ year old dad upgrade from his traditional city bike to an e-bike last year. Within weeks, he was cruising effortlessly at 23 km/h—nearly double his previous speed—with the same relaxed posture and minimal protective gear he'd...
Traumatic brain injuries from cycling accidents: The numbers and solutions
Each year in the Netherlands, 70,000 cyclists require emergency care after accidents, with 25% suffering head injuries. This article examines the surprising prevalence of single-bicycle incidents, particularly among riders over 70, and reveals that older adults (55+) comprise 42% of...
Traumatic brain injuries from cycling accidents: The numbers and solutions
Last year, I visited the trauma center at Haaglanden Medical Center in Den Haag. The meeting with their neurosurgery and trauma team revealed a disturbing reality behind cycling accidents in the Netherlands. The trauma specialists have begun referring to teenagers...
