Proposal sought for a directive shielding workers from ionizing radiation hazards, as requested by the Commission.
In the picturesque region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, Germany, concerns have been rising about the increasing number of motorcycle accidents on a stretch of the federal road B62 between Afholderbach and Lützel.
A Troubling Trend
Statistics show a notable increase in the number of injured motorcyclists on this section of the B62. In the first half of 2025, there were 20 injured motorcyclists reported, a rise compared to the first half of 2024, when 26 injured motorcyclists were recorded overall. This trend suggests a concerning upward trajectory, particularly within this area.
Causes and Concerns
The causes for these accidents are linked to the characteristics of the road and rider behaviour. The B62 in this area includes challenging curves such as the "Applauskurve," where speed and control issues likely contribute to accidents. Enforcement reports from special motorcycle control operations indicate concerns about speed and risk-taking on bends, which typically cause many accidents for motorcyclists.
Addressing the Issue
In response to this rising trend, local authorities have taken targeted measures. These include intensified motorcycle-specific police controls and monitoring to curb speeding and unsafe driving behaviours. The authorities have conducted motorcycle special controls (#LEBEN in der Applauskurve campaign) focusing on risk areas of the B62, aiming to reduce accident rates by increasing compliance with traffic regulations and raising awareness among riders.
The #LEBEN Initiative
Last Thursday (24th July), the Siegen-Wittgenstein police department conducted motorcycle special checks under the initiative #LEBEN. The police set up oversized letters #LEBEN on the "Applauskurve," a stretch of the B62 known for attracting "wannabe racers." The deployment of the police department's motorcycle special checks lasted from 09:00 to 15:00. Radar checks were also carried out in the section of the B62 where the police set up the letters #LEBEN.
Success and Feedback
The many interesting conversations with the motorcyclists were considered the most important aspect of this day. The motorcyclists approved of the action, stating that "everyone wants to arrive home safely at the end of the day." The Siegen-Wittgenstein Police Department considers the #LEBEN action a resounding success.
Next Steps
The goal of the police was to have a dialogue with motorcyclists on an equal level about the risks associated with motorcycling. For further inquiries, please contact the Siegen-Wittgenstein Police Department's Press and Public Relations at the provided phone number, email, or website. Additionally, there is an emphasis on promoting motorcycle safety priority education in the region of Netphen-Afholderbach.
The rising motorcycle accident figures on the B62 between Afholderbach and Lützel are mainly attributed to hazardous road curves and rider behaviour, especially excessive speed. Local authorities will continue to address these issues through intensified police controls, safety campaigns, and education to improve conditions for motorcyclists on this stretch of road.
- In the spirit of promoting health-and-wellness, it might be beneficial to introduce educational programs on fitness-and-exercise for motorcyclists, focusing on techniques for maintaining balance and control during high-speed maneuvers, particularly on complicated road sections like the Applauskurve.
- To further ensure the safety of motorcyclists, it could be interesting to partner with local radio stations to broadcast public service announcements on motorcycle safety, boosting awareness and encouraging adherence to traffic regulations along the B62.
