Round table in Aschaffenburg: Focus on motorcycle accidents and noise

Development of accident figures

Accident statistics show that the number of injured motorcyclists in the Aschaffenburg police district has risen steadily in recent years. From 33 injuries in 2022, the number rose to 38 in 2023, 53 in 2024, and finally to 60 in 2025. In the last five motorcycle seasons, a total of seven motorcyclists were killed, including four accidents attributed to car drivers, one accident caused by a motorcyclist, and two without the involvement of other vehicles. In addition, one pedestrian was killed. In most cases, excessive speed was determined to be the cause.

Supraregional relevance and differentiated approach

This development is not limited to the district of Aschaffenburg alone. Comparable trends can also be observed in other regions. This means that the issue needs to be addressed on a supraregional level and that solutions must be sought beyond the local level. Nevertheless, the district of Aschaffenburg is pursuing the goal of implementing measures against the rising number of traffic accidents within the scope of its own capabilities. The approach is to involve various institutions and work out coordinated steps together. It is expressly emphasized that not all motorcyclists should be assumed to engage in risky behavior or cause noise.

Participants and objectives of the round table

The State Building Authority of Aschaffenburg, the Lower Franconia Police Headquarters, the Aschaffenburg and Alzenau police stations, the district fire department, the traffic police, the government of Lower Franconia, the public prosecutor’s office, and the mayors of the affected municipalities were invited to the first meeting on October 9, 2025. Specialist departments such as the civil engineering administration and the road traffic department of the district administration are also participating. Motorcycle associations were apparently not invited.

Initial results and planned measures

At the first meeting, a common knowledge base was created on the specific accident situations, causes, and locations. Possible approaches discussed include increased traffic monitoring, changes to road traffic regulations, structural measures, and public relations work. One specific measure planned is the installation of rumble strips before curves. Since speed controls (“speed cameras”) are considered to be ineffective, further suitable measures are to be developed within the framework of the round table.

Summary

In the district of Aschaffenburg, various authorities and municipalities are working together to improve safety on motorcycle routes and reduce noise pollution for residents. However, the problems and developments discussed are not limited to this region alone, but can also be observed on a supraregional level. It is striking that the perspective of motorcyclists themselves or their associations has not been included in the current process. In addition, the public discussion and the planned measures mainly focus on “motorcycle noise,” while the general increase in traffic noise from other vehicles is hardly taken into account. This leads to a one-sided view of the issue and raises the question of whether this approach can actually lead to sustainable and fair solutions.