Cyclists on the Molendijk-Noord in Schijndel pay extra attention on Wednesday after Tuesday’s fatal accident. “It is a life-threatening road, especially because of people in vans who drive like crazy here,” you hear from passers-by. But the talk of the day: how can someone drive on? “Then you really have zero feeling”, Ria van Breugel responds.
It is just before two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon when an 85-year-old man on an electric bicycle is hit by a white van. The driver drives on and the victim dies not much later.
“This road is being used as a race track.”
“It’s unimaginable that someone can drive on”, Willem Gruters begins. “But a serious accident on this road does not surprise me. It’s really life threatening. There is hardly any space for cyclists on this road.”
He is on his racing bike and rides about twice a week on the Molendijk-Noord. “Drivers are aggressive and it shows very well on this road. It is a sixty kilometer road but it is used as a race track, especially at the end of the afternoon.” That is also the reason that Willem avoids the road as much as possible.
So are Ans Evers and her husband. “It’s a bad road. We only drive the last part here, otherwise we take the quiet roads.” Ans also has zero understanding for the driver. “I do not get it. You really can’t drive on.” Huib, 71, thinks there is more going on. “What’s at stake? Drink, drugs, a pill?”
“My wife is really terrified of cycling here.”
Huib cycles every day on the road between Schijndel and Berlicum. “It is a very narrow road. Too narrow actually for two cars and a cyclist. It can be dangerous, especially on such a fast electric bicycle.”
Ria van Breugel cycles from Berlicum to Schijndel. “I just came on this road and had a bad feeling. It could have happened to me too. I cycle here a few times a week and everyone is actually speeding.” She has nothing good to say about the driver. “If you feel something, don’t do it. I really don’t understand it.”
A pedestrian says: “My wife cycles here three times a week to go to work, she does that with real terror. Buses are speeding past like crazy.”
And that is also the case on Wednesday morning. “This is one of the most dangerous roads in Schijndel”, Willem adds. “There is no control. In fact, there is no speed check in the whole of Schijndel. It’s dramatic.” Ans nods in agreement as she carefully continues her way.
ALSO READ: Cyclist (85) died after collision in Schijndel, motorist drives on