According to an Ohr Yarok organization report, there was a 67% increase in the number of bike riders injured seriously in accidents in Israel in 2012 compared to the previous year. The report is based on data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

During the years 2003-2013, an average of seven bike riders was killed annually in accidents. In 2012, 236 bikers were injured in accidents in cities, of which 8 resulted in fatalities and 65 were injured seriously.

According to the organization’s director, Shmuel Abuav, there number of cyclists in Israel has grown annually over recent years. For one thing, it is an inexpensive means of transport and it permits one to bypass snarls in cities like Tel Aviv.

· In Jerusalem, 15 cyclists were injured in 2012, of which 7 were listed as serious.

· In Bnei Brak, 12 cyclists were injured in 2012, of which 3 were listed as serious.

· In Tel Aviv, 68 cyclists were injured in 2012, of which 2 died and 20 were listed as serious.

· In Rishon L’Tzion, 10 cyclists were injured in 2012, of which 1 died and 1 was listed as serious.

· In Petach Tikvah, 10 cyclists were injured in 2012 of which 1 died and 3 were listed as serious.

Ohr Yarok calls on motorists to be aware that there are a growing number of bikers on the city roads and they must be extremely cautious when moving to the right lane. The organization also urges bikers to wear protective gear, including a properly fitted helmet and to avoid riding in a fashion that unnecessarily increases the likelihood of an accident.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)