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Just a small note to add is that we implemented this in the 90s, long after cycling was ubiquitous and cycling infrastructure was, too. Not that you made this
by IkmoIkmo 11y ago
Just a small note to add is that we implemented this in the 90s, long after cycling was ubiquitous and cycling infrastructure was, too.
Not that you made this claim but I just want to add that this wasn't what made cycling popular or safe if anyone is wondering. It was a relative afterthought that surely must have helped, although how significant it has been to improve safety is hard to say. Cycling deaths dropped by about 20% - 25% since then, but that was a relatively minimal drop compared to say car deaths (80%) or even pedestrians.
It's important also to know what this liability refers to, it's not criminal (i.e. you go to jail because you're in an accident that kills someone and you're in the car, thus presumed liable. It's not like that at all. You might go to jail but only for the right reasons, it's not presumed.). The liability refers to financial liability to the insurer of the car (and such insurance is mandatory by law in the Netherlands and virtually everyone sticks by that). Apart from a possible increase in insurance premiums because the accident puts you in a 'higher risk' category, there aren't any consequences for the driver.
Which means that a lot of people in the Netherlands aren't even aware of this rule. In fact most of the time they aren't even aware after an accident, because it's mostly a thing insurance companies deal with behind the scenes. Not likely to affect driving, then.