Mainz relies on bicycles, but safely!
In November 2025, the fahrRad office in Mainz ran a road safety campaign entitled "Mainz relies on bikes - but safely!". The aim is to sensitize cyclists, motorists and all other road users to be considerate of each other.
Cycling in Mainz is growing steadily. While the share of cyclists in the modal split was still 12 percent in 2008, it will already be 31 percent in 2023—and the trend is continuing to rise. However, with the increasing importance of bicycles in urban traffic, encounters and conflicts between different road users are also on the rise. Consideration and respectful coexistence in road traffic are therefore becoming increasingly important in society.
In order to further promote mutual consideration, it is important to raise awareness of safe and responsible behavior. In cycling, this means above all strengthening knowledge of how typical causes of accidents, such as ghost cycling or dooring, can be avoided – and how conflicts with motorists and pedestrians can be reduced.
With its campaign "Mainz sets on the bike – but safely!", the city of Mainz is therefore focusing on prevention through education. Warning pictograms in the street space draw attention to the dangers of ghost cycling and dooring and are intended to ensure greater visibility.
What are ghost cyclist accidents?
Ghost cycling accidents occur when cyclists ride in the wrong direction on bike paths or roads. This not only increases the risk of accidents at intersections and junctions, but also exacerbates conflicts with other cyclists and pedestrians.
To avoid ghost cycling accidents, cyclists should therefore always stick to the designated direction of travel. In addition, drivers should drive with foresight, especially at intersections and exits, and watch out for cyclists coming from both sides.
What are dooring accidents?
Dooring accidents occur when drivers or passengers carelessly open a car door and hit cyclists who are riding on the road or in the side space. This type of accident can cause serious injuries, as cyclists often fall or have to swerve into oncoming traffic.
A simple and effective preventive measure here is the so-called "Dutch reach": the car door is always opened with the hand furthest away, which automatically turns the upper body backwards and directs the gaze over the shoulder to the traffic behind.
