In the years 2005-2014[i], the number of seriously injured road users among cyclists aged 12 was higher in September than in other months (see Figure 3). A possible explanation is that, at that time, they cycle to their secondary schools for the first time. Initially, they have to get used to a new, often longer route and sometimes to a new bicycle. Among other age groups the increase in September casualties is less high.
Figure 3. Distribution of seriously injured cycling children by age group across the year; 2005-2014 averages. Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) and Dutch Hospital Data (DHD).
[i] This graph presents percentages instead of absolute numbers, since the absolute numbers of seriously injured road users by age group are not reliable enough.
