VCÖ: Three of four fatally injured cyclists in Carinthia in 2025 were seniors

VCÖ expert Klara Maria Schenk emphasizes that the high share is not an argument against cycling. "Dieser hohe Anteil ist kein Argument gegen das Radfahren, sondern unterstreicht die Dringlichkeit, sichere und gute Bedingungen für das Radfahren in jedem Alter zu schaffen", she is quoted as saying in a press release. Schenk points out that two thirds of everyday trips made by people over 65 are shorter than five kilometers and therefore within comfortable cycling distance. Among 15- to 64-year-olds, by contrast, it is only slightly more than 50 percent.

Demographic development is further aggravating the situation. By 2035, Statistics Austria expects the 65-plus generation in Carinthia to increase by 30,000 to around 169,000 people. Since 2005, the number of those over 65 has already risen by 41,000. The share of the 65-plus generation over this period amounts to 64 percent according to the VCÖ.

VCÖ demands

With the growing number of older people, it will become increasingly important for the transport system to become age-appropriate, Schenk continues. "Gerade hinsichtlich des Radverkehrs ist der Aufholbedarf besonders groß", the VCÖ expert states. It is therefore all the more important that cycling infrastructure becomes age-appropriate.

Specifically, the VCÖ is calling for a denser network of cycle paths and a speed limit of no more than 30 km/h on roads within built-up areas without cycle paths. "Das heißt konkret, ein dichteres Radwegenetz und auf Straßen im Ortsgebiet ohne Radwege ein Tempolimit von höchstens 30 km/h", explains Schenk. Traffic calming and 30 km/h instead of 50 make cycling safer and more pleasant, especially for older people.

International comparison

A look at other countries shows how much catching up there is to do in Austria. An EU-wide study shows that in Austria, as in Germany, 35 percent of 65- to 74-year-olds regularly use the bicycle as a means of transport. In the Netherlands, with their dense network of cycle paths, the figure is 66 percent — almost twice as many.

The development is also alarming in other federal states. In 2025, ten seniors died in cycling accidents in Upper Austria. According to a VCÖ analysis, that was two thirds of all 15 fatal bicycle and e-bike accidents in this federal state and six fatalities more than in 2024.

Situation in Upper Austria

In addition to expanding infrastructure, the VCÖ also recommends cycling courses for older people. Above all, physically separated cycle paths along heavily trafficked roads and more 30 km/h zones in built-up areas are intended to reduce the risk of accidents. This is meant to make cycling safer for the growing group of older people.

The accident statistics underline the urgency of these measures, the VCÖ press release continues. Schenk sees a clear mandate for action in the data: the transport system must adapt to the needs of an aging society so that mobility by bicycle remains possible at any age.