Cyclists and e-scooter users are 11 times more likely to sustain severe and serious injuries in road traffic collisions than motorists, a new study has found.
The Injuries Resolution Board’s report on incidents involving cyclists and e-scooter users found that 11 per cent of bicycle and e-scooters users sustain severe injuries when involved in road traffic collisions, compared to just 1 per cent of motorists.
The report, published on Thursday defines severe injuries as injuries that cause “severe levels of pain and discomfort and may lead to individuals experiencing impairments in their ability to complete tasks independently”.
The board – formerly the Personal Injuries Assessment Board – is the State body for personal injury claims in Ireland.
Its study draws on data from personal injuries claims and medical records of more than 300 cyclist and e-scooter users who were awarded compensation in 2023 for injuries sustained in road incidents. The report notes that virtually all cases involved a larger vehicle, such as a car, truck or van.
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In 2023, a total of €9.8 million was paid out in personal injury compensation cases to injured cyclists and e-scooter users. For an injured cyclist, the average award was €27,837, compared to €20,513 for e-scooter users.
These road users are defined as vulnerable, due to the minimal physical protection offered by these modes of transport.
Ten cyclists and four e-scooter users have died on Irish roads so far this year.
A European Commission report noted that in 2022, 47 per cent of road deaths in the European Union were vulnerable users, followed by car occupants on 45 per cent.
The study also offers an insight into trends in transport use. E-scooters are popular among young people, with 59 per cent of injured scooter users surveyed aged between 18 and 35. Just over half of injured cyclists were in the 36-60-year-old demographic.
Thirteen per cent of e-scooter users in the survey were under 18.
Among e-scooter users, 34 per cent were not wearing a helmet when they were involved in a crash, compared to 19 per cent of cyclists. Use of a helmet significantly decreases the risk of serious head injuries when a collision occurs, the report notes.
The report suggests that e-scooter users are particularly vulnerable at roundabouts, where 16 per cent of incidents were reported. Just six per cent of accidents occurred within cycle lanes.
The board’s chief executive, Rosalind Carroll, said the report “underscores the urgent need” to protect vulnerable road users “through informed policy and enhanced public awareness”.
“We can see from this report the broad reaching impact these accidents can have on some of our most vulnerable road users with some reporting reduced quality of life, financial loss, including job loss and strained personal relationships,” she said.
Dr Lauren Swan, the board’s head of research and policy, said the report aims to maximise the value of personal injury claims data to enhance the safety of those most at risk of injury on our roads.
“It also importantly allows us to start to track trends in relation to the evolving use of modes of transport such as e-scooters so we can learn from them,” she added.
The publication of the report coincides the broadening of the body’s mediation service to include personal injury claims relating to motor vehicle incidents. The service already deals with employer and public liability claims.
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes quickly and in a cost-efficient manner.
“It helps parties reach a mutual agreement and provides an alternative to litigation which can be costly, stressful and time-consuming for all involved.”
