Cycling Deaths Up 35 Percent as Calls Grow for Helmet Requirement
New CBS figures show 281 cyclists died in Dutch traffic in 2025, the highest number in years. Nearly two thirds died from head injuries. The government plans to introduce a helmet requirement for under-18s on e-bikes and fatbikes in 2027.
The number of cyclists killed in Dutch traffic rose by 35 percent in 2025, to 281 deaths, according to new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Cyclists are again the single largest group of traffic fatalities, and the sharp rise has renewed calls for a broader helmet requirement in the Netherlands.
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The CBS figures
In total, 759 people died in Dutch traffic in 2025, 84 more than a year earlier. Cyclists accounted for 281 deaths, followed by car occupants at 228. The rise in fatalities was entirely concentrated among men: 575 men died compared to 184 women, with male deaths up 21 percent. Female deaths fell by 8 percent.
At least 41 percent of the cyclists who died were riding an e-bike. Eight fatbike riders also died. Crucially, 63 percent of all cycling deaths involved head injuries as the primary cause of death.
The rise in cyclist deaths was concentrated among men aged 70 and older: 118 older male cyclists died in 2025, 40 more than in 2024. The death rate per 100,000 residents is highest among men aged 80 and above. However, CBS notes that the relative risk for cyclists aged 70 and above has not increased over the past 25 years, meaning the rise is partly driven by a growing population of older cyclists.
With 759 deaths, the Netherlands has returned to the level of traffic fatalities last seen in 2008.
The helmet debate
The finding that 63 percent of cycling deaths involve head injuries as the main cause of death has renewed the debate about whether helmet use should be made compulsory. Veilig Verkeer Nederland supports the planned helmet requirement for under-18s but argues it should apply to all e-bike users.
The Fietsersbond, the main cyclists' lobby, opposes a blanket helmet requirement. The organisation acknowledges the rise in deaths but argues that mandatory helmets would make cycling feel more dangerous and lead people to switch to cars or public transport, reducing overall physical activity and ultimately harming public health more than it helps. Research in other countries has shown that helmet requirements reduce cycling levels.
What the government is planning
The cabinet intends to introduce a helmet requirement from 2027 for under-18s riding e-bikes, fatbikes and other light electric vehicles such as e-scooters. The planned legislation is expected to be sent to parliament in autumn 2026. The proposal follows a sharp rise in accidents involving young people: in 2023, 75 young fatbike riders arrived at emergency departments with injuries; by 2024 that number had risen to 301, with more than half aged between 12 and 18. The number of brain injuries among young e-bike riders more than doubled between 2020 and 2024.
The minister of infrastructure and water management also pointed to infrastructure investment as a key response. "We have half a billion euros available, of which a significant portion is still available to improve roads, for example by separating cycle paths from roadways." He also said a push to raise awareness among older cyclists is under way, including more training courses.
The Fietsersbond has warned that structural road safety investments are set to fall from 2027 according to the government budget, precisely when they are most needed. The organisation is calling for a 30 km/h speed limit on all roads within built-up areas.
