Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 73-year-old woman suffered a serious fall while riding an electric bicycle on Rijschoolstraat in Leuven. Emergency services responded to the scene.
She went unnoticed by the man who opened the door. She was transported to the hospital after suffering a severe bleeding wound to her head. On Bondgenotenlaan, another cyclist suffered injuries at the same moment.
The mishap occurred shortly after ten in the morning. The swinging door was too close for the woman on the electric bicycle to avoid. With a bang, she hit the floor.
She had a severe bleeding injury to her head. Numerous onlookers contacted emergency services and offered assistance right away.
A police squad also showed up at the scene in addition to the standard ambulance. The police were able to talk with the woman when she was brought to the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. She didn’t remember anything about the accident’s circumstances.
Additionally hurt at around 10:30 a.m. on Bondgenotenlaan was a 47-year-old Holsbeek rider. His bicycle’s pedal had snapped off. The man’s head struck the floor. His injuries were not severe since he was wearing a bicycle helmet.
He was transported by EMS to Heilig Hart Hospital after experiencing some vertigo.
What safety measures could prevent similar e-bike accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists?
Establishing protected bike lanes and clear pedestrian-only zones effectively separates e-bike riders from pedestrians, reducing conflict and accident rates.
Properly marked and signalized intersections, combined with distinct crosswalks and bike lane intersections, further clarify who has the right of way.
Cyclists should use front and rear lights (even during the day), wear high-visibility or reflective clothing, and consider flashing lights to make themselves more noticeable to both drivers and pedestrians, especially in low-light conditions.
Implementing speed bumps, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, and reducing speed limits in high pedestrian areas can slow down traffic—including e-bikes—and increase safety.
