According to Fietsberaad Vlaanderen, a center for cycling expertise, a comprehensive approach is needed to combat blind-spot accidents, because contrary to popular belief, passenger cars account for the largest share of vehicles involved in blind-spot accidents, followed by light trucks (vans).
This is reported by the knowledge center for bicycle policy following a study conducted in collaboration with the traffic institute Vias. The report also includes an action plan to address blind-spot accidents.
Almost 80% of accidents are caused by vehicles turning right
In 2023, 643 accidents in Flanders were classified as blind-spot accidents. A large proportion of those accidents (79%) occurred when a vehicle turned right. This often happened at intersections (55%), but also frequently (40%) at the entrances and exits of private property parking lots. On average, 68% of accidents occurred within built-up areas, where traffic interactions are highest.
Another striking finding: in most cases, the cyclist followed traffic rules correctly and used available bicycle infrastructure.
However, contrary to public perception, passenger cars are most often the party at fault, followed by vans, partly because, in modern cars and SUVs, high hoods and wide roof pillars significantly increase the blind spot.
Heavier vehicles, i.e., trucks, rank only third, although the severity of injuries in these cases is significantly higher.
Stricter when granting permits for new driveways
“The challenge for governments and road authorities is to constantly consider what opportunities exist to reduce the risk of blind-spot accidents,” says Wout Baert of Fietsberaad Vlaanderen.
For example, Fietsberaad and Vias recommend solutions at various levels. Because many accidents occur near private properties, for instance, the government should be stricter in granting permits for new driveways and use frontage roads more frequently.
Macro-networks must also be developed to physically keep heavy traffic out of sensitive zones. Focusing on the accelerated implementation of self-driving vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to circumvent human “cognitive limits” is another strategic recommendation, as is accelerating the mandatory use of alcohol ignition interlocks or supporting vehicle designs with a lower hood and larger glass surfaces to reduce blind spots at the front and sides.
15% more cyclists in Brussels
And another bit of cycling news: cycling in Brussels continued to increase last year. During the morning rush in 2025, for example, the number of cyclists rose by 15% compared to the previous year, a record. This is evident from 104 hours of counts conducted by ProVelo as part of the annual Cycling Observatory.
The gender breakdown has remained consistent for years: 60% men versus 40% women. Of all bicycles counted, 22% are equipped to transport children. Nearly half are longtails, one-fifth are cargo bikes or bike trailers, and the remaining third are bicycles with a child seat, a trailer bike, or an attached child bike.
The share of e-bikes has been steadily increasing since 2017. Last year, just over half were powered by muscle power, and the other 49% were electric. Helmet use among cyclists remained stable last year at seven out of ten.
