Pedestrian and cyclist accidents surge 25 percent across the Netherlands
The number of traffic accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists and cars in the Netherlands has risen by 25 percent in recent years, according to data analyzed by RTL Nieuws. The analysis, based on police and Rijkswaterstaat records, highlights key accident hotspots across the country, with certain intersections seeing alarming trends in injuries and fatalities.
One of the most dangerous intersections is the crossing of Drechterwaard and Rekerdijk in Alkmaar. Over the past six years, 17 accidents involving cars and cyclists or pedestrians were recorded there, with nine resulting in injuries.
Between 2018 and 2024, 359 municipalities experienced an increase in accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists. In 62 of these municipalities, the number of registered injury-related accidents doubled. Examples include Ede, Alphen aan den Rijn, and Assen.
In major cities, the rise in accidents is particularly striking. The Hague saw a 70 percent increase in such accidents, while Groningen recorded an 85 percent rise compared to 2018 figures.
Data from RTL Nieuws further reveals that accidents involving heavy vehicles, weighing more than 1,500 kilograms, nearly doubled between 2018 and 2023. Experts warn that the involvement of heavier cars in accidents with vulnerable road users—cyclists and pedestrians—is a growing concern.
The findings are based on data from Rijkswaterstaat, which compiles police-reported traffic accidents. RTL Nieuws selected incidents from 2018 to 2024 that involved one passenger car and at least one pedestrian or cyclist. Accidents where the car was stationary were excluded.
The primary data source is the Dutch Registry of Recorded Accidents (BRON). However, not all accidents are included in the registry, as some incidents are not reported or documented by police.
RTL Nieuws has created an interactive map pinpointing accident hotspots where three or more cyclist or pedestrian accidents leading to injuries or fatalities occurred in the past six years. Residents can use this map to view the most dangerous areas in their areas.
