1
NEWS
More riders, safer roads
That's one of the keystones of a landmark policy document jointly released by the motorcycle industry and police chiefs in the UKIt’s what motorcyclists have been saying at backyard barbecues for years – they are better road users when driving cars as well.
That’s been acknowledged in a breakthrough agreement in the UK that encourages greater use of motorcycles on roads, “which should improve road safety as a result”.
The accord, jointly devised between the motorcycle industry and police chiefs, is in response to a shared understanding that traditional road safety policies directed at motorcycling will only partially deliver more positive outcomes for motorcycle safety beyond those already achieved. However, encouraging rather than discouraging motorcycling should contribute to better safety outcomes.
The document, unveiled at a parliamentary reception in the UK on December 8, calls for motorcycles to be included in mainstream transport policy and sets out a framework of practical recommendations addressing how this might be achieved.
“For too long, the Government, local authorities and transport planners seem to have deliberately avoided talking about motorcycle use, a practice which will increasingly fail as a method of reducing rider accidents,” said Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
“Motorcycles need to be treated as a legitimate form of transport, which can save time, space and money for commuters, whilst having the added benefit of reducing congestion for all road users.”
The document outlines a number of issues to be addressed, including:
Congestion
A Belgian study was cited, which modelled a shift from cars to motorcycles on one of the most congested roads in Europe. It found that when just 10 per cent of car drivers swapped to a powered two-wheeler, then congestion was reduced for all road users by 40 per cent. When 25 per cent of drivers swapped, congestion was eliminated altogether.
More motorcycle use
The idea that more motorcycles on the road improves rider safety was initially based on European data, which shows that when a greater percentage of traffic is made up of motorcycles, mopeds or scooters, riders are less likely to be involved in an accident. With around 50 per cent of motorcycle accidents initiated by other road users, an effective programme to raise awareness of all road users could considerably reduce the number and seriousness of incidents. There is a growing body of evidence which shows that if more people started their road careers on a motorcycle, scooter or moped, this would lead to improvements in driver behaviour towards all vulnerable road users. It is also acknowledged that motorcyclists make better road users when driving cars.
Some of the measures called for in the paper include:
Education for all road users
- One theory test for all road users (motorcyclists have to do a different one to car drivers)
- Compulsory road user awareness lessons within the school curriculum
- A culture of post-test training for all vehicle modes
Perception
- More comprehensive breakdown of motorcycle accident statistics
- Encourage a ‘two-wheel paradigm’ to embrace all two-wheeled transport and stop excluding motorcycles
- Include motorcycle use as core part of overall transport policy, along with walking, cycling and public transport
Incentives
- Grants for electric vehicles to include electric motorcycles not just electric cars (cars won’t help reduce congestion)
Training and safety
- Continue progress made in setting new standards in motorcycle training
- Training upgrade for those who hold a licence for a smaller bike, but want to upgrade to a larger one
- Develop coherent and appropriate clothing and equipment standards
- Greater use of the RIDE scheme (a course for motorcyclists displaying anti-social behaviour)
Tags
Share this article
Written byBikesales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a bikesales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the bikesales app
