With the start of spring, cyclists will also go on the road en masse, especially during the weekend. In recent years, accidents with cyclists are increasingly happening. So two cyclists in Brabant died at the end of March after accidents. Many other road users often get annoyed by the racing groups that ‘fly’ by. At the Woensel tour club in Eindhoven they are aware of the problems. “All new members receive instructions,” says Hans Franken of the tour club.
Sunday morning nine o’clock. Cyclists gather in cycling and with racing bike on the Oude Bosschebaan in Eindhoven. Although it is fresh, the sun is shining, so great cycling weather. On the program is a tour of eighty kilometers around Eindhoven. The fact that the trip starts so early has to do with the crowds on the cycle paths and roads. By leaving early, the cyclists from Tour Club Woensel hope to be the crowds.
Hans Franken of the tour club is aware of the problems on the cycle paths and tries to raise the members a little: “Helmet obligation, a good bike, give instructions on time and raise each other a little if things are not going well”.
According to Franken, the image that some people have of cyclists who drive like crazy people and do not take anything into account. “I think it is not so bad. There are always a few that create that image, but in the generally cyclists behave nicely.”
Nevertheless, the bustle on the road and bike paths are also booming. “We do have a few accidents every year, we either do not escape that,” says Franken.
Touring cyclist Michiel de Ruijter is just coming. He also sees that it is getting busier on the road. “I notice that many road users are annoyed by cyclists. I also think that if they drive in groups, they often don’t pay attention. If they drive individually they do.”
Harald Kraaij will also cycle the tour of Eindhoven on this Sunday. He also sees that there is sometimes irritation on the road about cyclists. “Today we are going to ride through the forests. We sometimes see that there is no way. We all drive on the same paths. People with a dog who don’t pay attention, that is sometimes dangerous and that can happen.”
Harald admits that cyclists sometimes don’t pay attention. “They are there, but I do my best, not to frustrate other people.”