Mountain bike accidents increase sharply
The mountain bike trend is leading to a massive increase in the number of accidents: According to current UVG statistics, there are around 13,000 per year (+ approx. 120% in the past ten years). Suva and BFU appeal with the Mountain Bike Code for a safety-oriented and self-responsible nature experience.
Mountain biking is a sports experience with pure nature. For real bike fans the greatest thing ever. But every year, many mountain bikers have accidents on mountain trails and forest paths. According to the statistics of the accident insurance (UVG), 13,000 accidents occurred in 2020. According to the projections of the Advisory Office for Accident Prevention (BFU), which includes all population groups, it is even 19,000 mountain bike accidents, writes Suva. That is twice as many as ten years ago. The average age of those involved in accidents is over 50.
More athletes mean more accidents
The massive increase in accidents is due on the one hand to the fact that more people were practicing this sport during the pandemic, but on the other hand the trend is continuing even after the pandemic, as Suva points out. Likewise, the availability of e-mountain bikes is contributing to the popularity of the sport in the mountains, it said. "The increase in bikers and the rising popularity of challenging trails lead to more accidents. This makes safety-oriented behavior and respect for one's own limits all the more important," explains Christoph Müller, mountain bike expert at BFU.
Honest self-assessment and respect boundaries
From the accident reports, it is clear that two-thirds of accidents occur without the involvement of another object or person, Suva says. "In many cases, athletes overestimate themselves and go beyond their limits," Müller confirms. To stay focused until the end of the route, physical and mental condition is important, according to the expert. "Even a single second of inattention can lead to a fall with serious consequences," Müller explains.
Protective equipment indispensable
Those who equip themselves correctly reduce their risk of accidents or reduce the consequences of accidents. The most important thing is the helmet. Sports goggles prevent eye injuries. Long-finger gloves protect the entire hand in the event of a fall. Bright, reflective clothing also increases visibility in traffic. Depending on the difficulty of the route, further protective equipment for knees, elbows and back is useful.
In order to enjoy the mountain world and nature to the fullest and as injury-free as possible, it pays to follow the rules of the MTB Code. These are, according to Suva:
- Show respect: Greetings and thank you; give way to pedestrians
- Protect yourselfWear a helmet, goggles, gloves and other protective equipment; service your bike regularly.
- Stay on the path: Respect road closures and driving bans; Don't take shortcuts
- Take care of the environment: Be considerate of animals and plants; Close fence passages
- Leave no trace: Avoid jammed wheels; take your trash with you
- Know your limits: Drive with concentration and foresight; adapt your speed to the situation and your ability.
More info about mountain biking safety at www.suva.ch/mtb and bfu
