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27. 11. 09. - 16:00

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27. 11. 09. - 16:00

Cyclist and pedestrian death tolls down

By Thomas Hochwarter

The number of cyclists and pedestrians killed on Austrian roads has dropped, figures released today (Fri) have shown.

Traffic Club Austria (VCÖ) spokesman Martin Blum said 35 per cent less cyclists were killed in traffic accidents between January and November 2009 compared to the same period last year.

Blum said 36 cyclists had been killed on the roads this year so far.

The VCÖ also said pedestrian deaths were down. The group said so far 81 walkers had been killed in 2009 compared to 88 in the same period of 2008.

It added the majority of those killed were over 65.

VCÖ officials also called for more cycling paths and pavements.

Earlier this year, the association said more 4,300 Austrian cyclists suffer head injuries annually while 65 per cent of cyclists do not wear helmets.

Austrian Times

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