DfT publish new biker strategy

Added on Friday, July 25th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

The Department for Transport has published plans to tackle the number of motorcycle deaths and injuries in Britain which could include the opening of bus lanes to motorcycle riders in major towns and cities.

Plans unveiled by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick, an update on a similar strategy released in 2005, aim to reduce the number of motorcyclists being killed and injured in the UK after it was revealed that whilst deaths fell by 2% in 2007, the number of motorcyclists injured on the road in the UK last year rose by 4%.

In total, almost 23,500 riders were involved in an accident, with 588 killed and 6,149 seriously injured in 2007.

The new strategy offers numerous proposals to improve safety for motorcyclists and encourage further motorcycle usage.

Part of the plan will include extra guidance and support to local authorities to open up bus lanes to motorcyclists, a strategy already being implemented in London after successful trials.

Local authorities will also be given advice on “motorcycle friendly infrastructure” which could include more suitable road junctions and increased secure parking provision – an issue highlighted by recent campaigns by UK motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash.

As part of the updated strategy, emphasis will be placed on responsible riding with discounts on motorbike insurance being used as an incentive to encourage riders to take on additional training with an approved instructor. A speed awareness campaign will also be rolled out across the England and the DfT will continue with its ‘Take longer to look for bikes’ campaign and its sponsorship of the British Superbike Championship.

In addition, there will be a clampdown on motorcyclists riding without bike insurance with a “Continuous Insurance Enforcement” system being introduced based upon 20 recommendations put forward to the DfT.

Commenting on the proposals Fitzpatrick said: “Motorcyclists are the single most vulnerable group on Britain’s roads today. They account for just 1% of all road traffic, but for 20% of all those killed on the roads.

“The new action plan sets out how we will work to improve the safety of motorcyclists, and make sure that we continue to address their concerns and fully consider their needs when making decisions.”

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