Schwerin (dpa/mv) - Celebrities from sports, politics and society have been promoting wearing a helmet when cycling in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania since Sunday. The video campaign initiated by the Bavarian police and distributed via the social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram is intended to promote the "head decision" for better protection against serious accident consequences. Those spreading the message in the north-east include former track cycling world champion and Olympic champion Stefan Nimke and national volleyball player Lina Alsmeier.
According to the Ministry of the Interior in Schwerin, more than 1,500 cyclists were injured in accidents in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania last year. This means that every fourth casualty was traveling by bike. The number of serious accidents involving electric bicycles has been increasing for years, and six pedelec riders died in 2021.
In view of these figures, Interior Minister Christian level (SPD) regretted that all efforts to make wearing a helmet when cycling have so far been unsuccessful. "I am convinced that it is urgently needed, especially with the increasing use of electric bicycles," emphasized the minister. That's why he's promoting cyclists to wear their helmets before getting on their bikes, even if there's no legal requirement.
