A man was cycling on the A59 without lights on Sunday evening. Extremely dangerous, but no exception. In the Netherlands, thousands of people end up walking or cycling on the highway every year. According to traffic expert at Breda University Paul van de Coevering, the causes are very diverse.
“In principle, entrance ramps to the highway clearly indicate that cyclists do not belong there,” says traffic expert Paul van de Coevering.
But according to the Rijkswaterstaat count in 2022, despite all the traffic signals, more than four thousand people per year end up on the highway who do not belong there.
Extremely dangerous, according to a spokesperson for Rijkswaterstaat. As a cyclist or pedestrian you are a lot less visible on the highway, and an accident is just around the corner. “Drivers can also be frightened or have to swerve, which can lead to accidents,” said a Rijkswaterstaat spokesperson.
‘Lost’
These so-called ‘highway walkers’, which Rijkswaterstaat also includes cyclists and scooter riders, end up there due to drug or alcohol use, Van de Coevering explains. For example, a drunk man was previously picked off the road while walking on the A4 near Bergen op Zoom.
“It may also be the case that someone has lost their way mentally,” says Van de Coevering. For example, in 2022 a confused woman crossed the A59 and the police had to use a taser to get her under control.
Foreigners
In many cases, such as that of the Polish cyclist, it concerns people from abroad. “In our country, highways are intended for cars, but in some countries, even within Europe, you are allowed to cycle on the highway,” says Van de Coevering.
Signs or markings stating that cyclists are not welcome do not seem to do their job. “If you really assume that cycling is allowed, you are more likely to overlook a sign,” he says. “People appear to be selective in what they perceive.”
On the wrong path
Furthermore, Van de Coevering sees that distraction is a growing problem. “People are increasingly more concerned with their phones than with traffic,” he sighs.
In addition, confidence in Google Maps has grown. A mistake is quickly made. “You just have to click on the car icon on your bike and Google Maps will offer the highway as the best route,” says the traffic expert. “I think this also plays a role for people from abroad. If you don’t know the region, you are more likely to blindly rely on your navigation.”
What to do?
According to Rijkswaterstaat, your own safety is the most important thing. So if you accidentally end up on the highway with your bicycle or scooter, step over the guardrail as quickly as possible. “You prefer to take your bicycle with you, so that it does not become an obstacle for cars, but you are of course the most important thing to keep safe,” says Van de Coevering.
Even if you see someone else walking or cycling, your own safety comes first, Rijkswaterstaat adds. “Do not stop or get out, but call 112 as soon as it is safe to do so. The police can then immediately go to this highway walker to take them to safety.”
HERE YOU CAN READ HOW THE POLISH CYCLIST WAS PICKED OFF THE HIGHWAY
On Sunday evening, a twenty-year-old man cycled on the A59, read here how that ended.