Category: Safety & Compensation

1. Police and Motorcycle Industry launch policy framework calling for increased and safer motorcycle use

   Posted on 8:14am Monday 8th Dec 2014

   The Motorcycle Industry Association and Association of Chief Police Officers are launching a landmark policy document today, to encourage greater use of motorcycles on UK roads, which should improve road safety as a result.

   Realising the Motorcycling Opportunity; A motorcycle safety and transport policy framework was jointly devised by police and industry, in response to the slowdown of reductions in rider casualties.

   Though rider safety has improved considerably since 2000, motorcyclists are currently over represented in road fatality statistics (1% of traffic, 19% of fatalities). This could be reduced with government support.

   Both police and industry agree 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, which will be unveiled at a Parliamentary Reception hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Motorcycle Group on Monday 8th December, calls for motorcycles to be included in mainstream transport policy and sets out a framework of practical recommendations addressing how this might be achieved.

   Why should government and transport planners take note?

   Two-wheeled transport offers an antidote to congestion. Motorised two-wheeled transport is particularly effective at keeping traffic moving. A Belgian study*, which modelled a shift from cars to motorcycles on one of the most congested roads in Europe, found that when just 10% of car drivers swapped to a powered two wheeler, then congestion was reduced for all road users by 40%. When 25% of drivers swapped, congestion was eliminated altogether.

   Over the coming years, it is likely increasing numbers of people will opt for two-wheeled vehicles, whether bicycles, fully motorised two-wheelers, or a cross between the two. It is also likely some cyclists will migrate to motorised forms of two-wheeled transport and vice-versa. The Government has an opportunity to tackle safety issues faced by all vulnerable road users in an integrated and therefore more cost effective way.

   Why encourage 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.

   The friends and relatives of motorcyclists are also more aware of vulnerable road users – a psychological factor, which forms the basis of successful road safety initiatives.

   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 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 through the Motorcycle Industry Accreditation Centre (MCIAC)
   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
   Promote the use of Motorcycle Guidelines, recently updated by the Institute of Highways Engineers
   · Nationwide utilisation of the BikeSafe voluntary assessment programme

   · Greater use of the RIDE scheme (a course for motorcyclists displaying anti-social behaviour)

   Quotes

   Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, Motorcycling Lead for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) explains why they have joined forces with the MCIA: “Over recent years, the number of motorcycle casualties has reduced which is encouraging. However, this reduction seems to be slowing, with the emphasis moving away from progress in safety and too many motorcyclists are still being killed and injured on the roads. After taking over as the ACPO Motorcycling Lead, I wanted to ensure that casualty reduction was still a priority and I am pleased that these views were shared by MCIA and that we have been able to work together to build this framework which should see some real advancement in improving road safety, particularly for motorcyclists.

   “Through this joint work, we hope to make some sustained changes to see improvements for motorcycle safety and a greater recognition of the wider impacts of increased powered two-wheeler use. The framework places education at the heart of it with some proposed transformations to improve the theory test and greater recognition and use of BikeSafe and the RIDE scheme. These are changes that I hope to see make some really positive steps towards reducing the numbers of casualties on our roads.”

   Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) is clear that inclusion in transport policy is the only way forward to improve safety: “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. 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.”

   Steve Baker MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Motorcycle Group, which is hosting the Parliamentary Reception, gave a personal view of why motorcycles should be encouraged: “It’s time for officialdom to stop seeing motorcycling as a problem. Increased motorcycle use offers affordable access to personal transport and an antidote to congestion. As a lifelong motorcyclist myself, I have first-hand experience of the benefits that commuting by motorcycle can bring. I would be delighted to see the Government adopt a more encouraging approach to motorcycle use. 

   “If we want to reduce congestion and improve the quality of people’s lives, we need to embrace all forms of two-wheeled transport. This document gives a clear framework as to how that can be achieved while improving safety for all road users.”

   The MCIA represents around 90% of the supply side of the UK motorcycle industry. Members include manufacturers and importers of motorcycles, clothing and accessories, as well as insurers, finance providers and road safety partners.

   · BikeSafe is a workshop offered by many police forces, which helps riders appraise their own riding and directs them towards post test training.

   · * Study was commissioned by the Belgian Automobile Federation, Febiac, and conducted by research company - Transport and Mobility Leuven. Report title: Commuting by Motorcycle; Impact analysis of an increased share of motorcycles in commuting traffic (September 2011)

   · **Figures supplied by insurance aggregate based on over 65,000 quotes.

2. Riders in the storm‏

   Posted on 10:00am Monday 1st Dec 2014

   #wheelsinwinter

   As part of our wheels in winter campaign, I will be sharing with you weekly motoring advice throughout the season. This week, I am sharing some all-important riding tips with motorcyclists, guiding them through the cold, wet and windy weather.

   There may be rubble ahead

   When you’re riding in the rain look well ahead; make sure you have enough following distance to avoid large puddles or drain covers. And watch out for potholes that fill up with rain water because you never know how deep they are, and they are not always easy to spot. Changes in road surfaces can be very slippery and dangerous, so make sure you’re riding at a steady pace – giving yourself enough time to slow down if you need to.

   Sprays of water

   Large vehicles and lorries will throw up a wall of spray. To avoid the worst of it avoid overtaking or rushing passed large vehicle, especially when you’re on the motorway. Spray can also affect your ability to see clearly, misting up your helmet. Use an anti-mist spray or have a visor insert fitted into the inside of your helmet to keep out any water.

   Pools of water

   Heavy rain forces pools of water to form across carriageways – forcing motorcyclists to either brake sharply into the water or accelerate through it. While pools of water are unavoidable you should avoid braking or accelerating and simply ease off the throttle for a bit. Hold onto the handlebars firmly and steer ahead in a straight line to pass through the pool as smoothly as possible.

   Fallen trees and branches

   Be wary of narrow roads where large trees and branches fall, which will unsettle your bike. If you can, avoid travelling on roads that are affected by high winds, and take a route that is less likely to be affected – even if it means you’re on the road for a little longer.

   Gaps in buildings

   Watch out for any gaps between buildings and trees where large vehicles can force motorcycles to shudder. Remember, strong winds will affect other vehicles too – large and flat sided vehicles are usually more affected. See that you give them more room, and if you plan to overtake them make sure it is safe to do so when winds are less blustery.

3. BikeSafe clients encouraged to take off-road training

   Posted on 11:00am Wednesday 13th Aug 2014

   BikeSafe is partnering with Kawasaki to offer a bespoke off-road skills course, which will help improve road riding.

   The BikeSafe Off Road Skills Course will be delivered by Kawasaki Off Road Experience trainers, who include Mick Extance - former Paris-Dakar competitor and motocross champion Lee Dunham. The course will be offered initially in 5 UK locations, with extra ones added in time.

   In addition to the usual fun guaranteed in taking part in an off-road experience day, the BikeSafe Off-Road Skills Course will cover areas such as:

   · Fine brake and clutch control

   · Riding on slippery surfaces

   · Body positioning

   · Ascent and descent control

   National BikeSafe Coordinator Glen Dennis explained:

   “Off-road riding offers lots of opportunities to control a machine in conditions you generally hope to avoid on public highways. We believe skills learned off-road are invaluable for road riders and will enhance a road rider’s ability to deal with unexpected road conditions”.

   The course is available to those who hold a full motorcycle licence and includes hire of the bike, plus any safety equipment. It costs £200 for a full day’s tuition and riding, with a 10% discount for people who have done a BikeSafe assessment. Riders will receive an accreditation certificate signed by Kawasaki and Bikesafe upon successful completion of the one day course.

   Mark Spiller, Marketing Manager for Kawasaki Motors UK commented, “We are very happy to work alongside BikeSafe on this forward thinking and important initiative. At Kawasaki we are passionate about both off-roading and road safety and this combines the fun of dirt riding with practical safety benefits for road riders”.

   You can find out more from the BikeSafe Kawasaki Off-Road Skills Course website: www.kawasaki-bikesafe.co.uk

   See the video

4. Anger over the state of Westbury’s roads

   Posted on 12:38pm Wednesday 21st May 2014

   Anger is mounting in the town over the state of Westbury’s roads and the growing number of dangerous potholes.

   The issue was aggravated by the wet winter and now there have been calls for Wiltshire Council to act. There are also concerns that Wiltshire Council have ‘cut corners’ with temporary repairs that only last a few days.

   New Westbury Mayor, cllr Christine Mitchell said, “The potholes are atrocious in Westbury, something needs to be done. The potholes can’t always be avoided, it is an accident waiting to happen. If there is water in the potholes then it is difficult for cyclists or motorcyclists to know how deep the hole is. I can’t say it is only Wiltshire though, it seems to be bad in other counties as well.”

   Wiltshire Council had 40 percent more potholes reported in the first two months of 2014 compared to 2013. This equates to more than 2,600 carriageway defects compared to around 1,900 last year. This led to the council investing an extra £250,000 at the start of 2014 to combat the problem.

   Wiltshire councillor Terry Chivers says he believes that Wiltshire Council cut corners when trying to fix the potholes. He said, “I’m receiving complaints that these temporary repairs are only lasting a few days and often only a few hours. It seems to me and to most people, that it must be much easier and cheaper to do a proper job than bodge it.”

   There is some good news on the horizon, though, after Wiltshire Council was awarded an extra £3million to repair potholes. This is part of the £168million Pothole Repair Fund the government has allocated towards fixing more than three million potholes across the UK to make roads safer and smoother for motorists, cyclists and other road users.

   However, the priorities for pothole repair have not yet been set and so it is unclear if Westbury will be benefitting from the Pothole Repair Fund.

   A spokesperson for Wiltshire Council said, “This money will be used to repair and resurface the worst affected stretches of road. Wiltshire Council are spending a huge amount of money on roads but the full programme for this has not yet been set.

   To report a pothole or a street problem to your council please CLICK HERE

   

5. Filtering

   Posted on 1:29pm Friday 25th Apr 2014

   IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced biker, Peter Rodger, is advising on filtering.
   
   •Plan ahead when approaching long queues. Make a decision in advance for passing each vehicle, but be ready to change your plans if the traffic situation changes
   •Be prepared for vehicles to move out or change lanes, particularly approaching junctions
   •In bus lanes, watch for cars that want to turn left across your path
   •Be aware of cyclists wearing earphones – they may not know you’re there
   •Watch side roads. Drivers waiting to emerge will be looking for larger vehicles – not necessarily a motorbike
   •When filtering give other vehicles time to notice you’re there – don’t arrive too quickly
   •Wait behind stationary vehicles unless you're sure you can get past them before they start to move. – avoid sitting next to them where you can be in a blind spot.

   Rodger said: “One of the great things about riding a bike is that you can reduce your journey time by filtering through traffic and congestion. But be considerate to other road users, and bear in mind they may not know or expect you to be there.”