Serious crash in Orihuela: three cyclists injured and a growing systemic issue

The incident highlights an ongoing conflict between drivers, cyclists and infrastructure that is failing to keep pace.

A serious road accident in Orihuela has left three cyclists seriously injured after being hit by a car on a secondary road.

Emergency services and the Guardia Civil responded quickly. The injured were stabilised and taken to hospital. There is currently no confirmation that the driver fled the scene.

Beyond the incident itself, the case reflects a broader trend.

In 2025, more than 11,000 traffic accidents with injuries were recorded in the Valencian Community. While fatalities have slightly decreased, overall accidents continue to rise, with vulnerable road users — including cyclists — among the most affected.

The province of Alicante presents a high-risk environment due to heavy traffic, tourism pressure and the popularity of road cycling.

The pattern repeats: car, group of cyclists, collision.

On social media, reactions are increasingly predictable. Many users point to unsafe overtaking, while others criticise cyclist behaviour.

The tension is clear.

On a typical secondary road, between 800 and 1,500 vehicles may pass per hour, compared to up to 200 cyclists at peak times. The imbalance is evident.

Yet cyclists remain the most vulnerable.

In the Vega Baja area, an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people regularly use bicycles.

Is full separation of traffic flows possible?

Not everywhere. Building cycling infrastructure across all roads would require significant investment and years of development.

A more realistic approach would be to prioritise specific routes.

This leads to a difficult question: should cyclists be allowed on every road?

Legally, yes. From a safety perspective, not always.

On narrow roads without shoulders, the risk becomes structural.

The Orihuela incident is another reminder that this is not an isolated issue — but a systemic one.

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