Sudelfeld pass road records nearly 140 crashes in five years

Nearly 140 crashes have occurred on the Sudelfeld pass road in the past five years, leaving a motorcyclist and a cyclist dead, BR reports. The increasingly crowded route attracts cyclists, motorists and motorcyclists, while close overtaking and aggressive driving create dangerous situations.

Julia Schmidmayr, a 35-year-old experienced road cyclist and former Bundesliga racer, used to train on the pass road. She now avoids it because traffic has become heavier and drivers’ behaviour more aggressive, she says.

During one recent ride, a motorcyclist shouted insults at Schmidmayr as she turned into a parking area during the descent. She had been travelling at about 60 kilometres per hour, the speed limit on that section.

Cyclists are often overtaken at very close range and without the legally required distance, Schmidmayr says. Some motorcyclists also appear to deliberately rev their engines. She is particularly worried when an oncoming motorcycle cuts across a bend while she is cycling uphill. If the rider crashes, she says, the motorcycle could fly towards her and leave her no chance to react.

The route from Rosenheim towards Bayerischzell is temporarily closed to motorcycles at times. A general no-overtaking rule also applies on the section between Bayrischzell and Oberaudorf. Despite these measures, dangerous situations continue to occur on the winding pass road.

Cyclists also taking greater risks

Schmidmayr says cyclists are also sometimes riding more dangerously than in the past. She suspects that some apps contribute to this by offering route planning, rankings and opportunities to win competitions known as “Comms”. These features may encourage some riders to descend faster, she believes.

Of the nearly 140 crashes recorded at Sudelfeld over the past five years, 70 motorcyclists and eight cyclists were injured. Two people died.

Not all motorcyclists follow the one-way restriction. Asked about possible traffic offences at a rest area, some declined to comment. They complained instead about cyclists riding in groups and preventing overtaking.

Michael, who rides both motorcycles and road bikes, says both sides contribute to the tension. He understands motorists’ frustration when cyclists ride three abreast, but he also experiences inconsiderate motorcyclists as a cyclist. In his view, the growing number of cars, motorcycles and bicycles means there is less space for everyone.

Schmidmayr has experienced the consequences herself. A year ago, she collided with a car on another road after being pressured from behind and swerving to avoid it. Her conclusion is that risky and aggressive driving endangers more than just the person behind the wheel or handlebars.