Motor Vehicles Overtaking Poses Critical Danger in Bicycle Accidents in Belgium
A study from the Walloon Region finds that nearly a third of bicycle accidents happen when motor vehicles overtake cyclists, highlighting serious safety concerns
A recent study conducted in Belgium’s Walloon Region has identified overtaking by motor vehicles as the most critical moment in bicycle accidents. The findings reveal that about 30% of accidents involving cyclists occur precisely during the passing maneuver of a motorized vehicle. The results were shared with the public by the Walloon Road Safety Agency as part of the region’s mobility awareness week.
In 2024, the number of bicycle accidents reported to police in the Walloon Region was approximately 870. However, authorities clarify that this does not reflect the full picture, since only about 10% of incidents make it into the official statistics. The research team interviewed nearly 900 regular cyclists who had experienced accidents over the past 12 months to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The study also shows that 62% of these accidents happen during everyday activities like commuting to work, school, or errands, with the risk increasing during rush hours—51% of accidents were recorded during these busy times. Notably, 59% of episodes involve the cyclist alone, but for collisions involving vehicles, overtaking stands out as a key factor at 30%. Failure to yield to cyclists at intersections accounts for 24% of crashes, and other road users cutting off cyclists contribute to 7%. Injuries are frequent, occurring in 74% of solo incidents and 67% of those with vehicles, with the most severe injuries reported in cases involving motor vehicles.
