Roads to become safer for motorcyclists through new partnership

Highways England, the company responsible for running over 4,000 miles of England’s motorways and major trunk roads, is to become the third partner in a landmark collaboration to improve motorcycle rider safety. 

The government owned company will join the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) as an equal partner in facilitating practical changes to roads, as detailed in a jointly written whitepaper: ‘Realising the Motorcycling Opportunity: A Motorcycle Safety and Transport Policy Framework’.

The Framework calls for motorcycles and scooters to be included in mainstream transport policy and for rider safety to be consistently factored into national road design, which has not been the case in the past. 

Seven key areas have been identified, which would make roads safer for riders, along with actions as to how this can be achieved practically. These include: safer infrastructure, expanding road user education, increasing awareness and training and working in partnership with cycle groups.

The Framework also advocates unlocking the benefits of motorcycles and demonstrating exactly how they offer a practical solution to congestion, as well as improving personal mobility for people without access to other forms of transport. 

Highways England has a goal of bringing the number of people killed or injured on the strategic road network as close as possible to zero by 2040. It will work with police and MCIA across all seven areas identified in the Framework and will lead on ‘safer infrastructure’. 

Mike Wilson, Highways England’s Chief Highways Engineer, said: “Safety is our top priority and we believe no one should be harmed when travelling or working on our road network. We are committed to both reducing the number of motorcycle incidents and casualties on our roads and to improving the experience motorcyclists have on those roads; this influential partnership with the industry and police supports that commitment.”

Deputy Chief Constable for North Yorkshire Police, Tim Madgwick, who is the national motorcycle lead for the National Police Chiefs Council says: “The Police service is on the front line, dealing with the devastation that is caused to families and the greater community by road traffic collisions. The opportunity to work with both Highways England and the Motorcycle Industry Association gives us far greater scope to make our roads a safer place, not only for those who use powered two wheelers, but for all road users.  In addition to the safety aspect, encouraging greater use of motorcycles will also contribute greatly to reducing congestion and therefore journey times across the country.”

Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training, says working in partnership with HE and NPCC could produce the breakthrough that motorcycle safety deserves: “Highways England brings significant resource to this ambitious project; financially and in terms of influence, expertise and evidence-based decision making; add this to police backing and we have an unprecedented opportunity to make a huge difference to riders. For too long, motorcyclists have been at the bottom of the pecking order in terms of priority for traffic management and road planners. Often ‘safety advice’ is a thinly veiled attempt to keep people off motorbikes and scooters, rather than a genuine attempt to reduce their vulnerability.  It is important to recognise the transport choice of riders and address their needs appropriately.  Ignoring motorcyclists increases their vulnerability.”

The Framework advocates using guidelines produced by the Institute of Highway Engineers which identifies simple practical steps to reduce risks for riders. 
These include:

• Using rider friendly barriers and road surfaces
• Repositioning pillars
• Removing unnecessary signage
• Using non-slip man hole covers
• Prompt clear up of diesel.

Highways England (HE) will also work to promote safety messages and create awareness about motorcycles and scooters, since education of all road users is an important element of the Framework. HE has already set up a working party to encourage learners to take further training for a licence and to encourage riders to wear personal protective clothing.

Safe Systems

The Framework incorporates the ‘safe system approach’, which is now widely accepted as a guiding principle among road safety professionals. This is underpinned by the understanding that humans are fallible and will make mistakes, which can be mitigated through ‘forgiving’ design, i.e. a road system built to absorb mistakes and limit the transfer of forces which can result in serious injury or death.

Background to the Framework

The first edition of the Framework was launched by the NPCC and MCIA in 2014, following acknowledgement from police and motorcycle road safety experts that the only way to reduce vulnerability of riders was to properly incorporate their use and needs into mainstream transport planning. 

The Framework details a growing body of evidence from other EU countries to show that casualties reduce where motorcycle and scooter use is more common, as other road users become more aware of them.  This is the same argument used by the cycling lobby and both modes of transport saw reductions of those killed and seriously injured in the last set of figures issued by the Department for Transport.

The number of motorcycles and scooters licensed for the roads has nearly doubled in the past twenty years, and government statistics show that there was a further 1.2% increase for quarter 4 (October to December 2015).  With congestion set to rise, it is likely many more people will opt for two wheel transport and Highways England, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Motorcycle Industry Association believe this choice needs to be properly supported.

An electronic copy of the Framework will be available at www.motorcycleframework.co.uk 

Transport and Mobility Leuven showed that when just 10% of car drivers swapped to a motorcycle, scooter or moped, congestion reduced for all road users by 40%. When 25% of drivers swapped, congestion was eliminated altogether.  See Commuting by motorcycle impact analysis of an increased share of motorcycles in commuting traffic, 2011. Available here

www.mcia.co.uk

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Motorcyclists celebrate at Britain’s biggest 2016 biking festival

Motorcycle Live 2016 came to a close this evening after nine spectacular days at The NEC in Birmingham, where 43 of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers displayed their new models as visitors were further entertained with interactive features and opportunities to ride.

A total of 113,172 motorcycling fans, representing a 2.4% increase on 2015's numbers, visited the show over the nine days since it opened its doors on Saturday 19 November, enjoying over 150 exhibitor stands and retail outlets. There were also plenty of opportunities to meet biking celebrities like comedian Ross Noble, Charley Boorman and record-breaking Olympic cyclist, Jason Kenny.  

Motorcycling enthusiasts of all ages, from biking newbies to seasoned veterans, enjoyed 19 live events and features at the show, all of which were absolutely free. They included the spectacular FMX Live freestyle motocross show and no fewer than nine opportunities to ride an enormous variety of two-wheeled machinery.

Racing stars visited the show each day, with riders from MotoGP, World and British Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT, motocross and speedway taking part in chat shows, quiz games and numerous autograph and selfie sessions with fans.

Scott Grimsdall, marketing manager of BMW Motorrad, said, “We’ve had the best quantity of leads in recent years, the level of engagement has been fantastic and we’ve booked the highest number of test rides that we’ve ever done at a show. As always, it’s been really well organised by Finlay and the crew, so it’s been a really successful show for us.”

“Our stand has been incredibly busy all week," said Paul Lilly, Triumph's general manager in the UK, “and customer reaction to the 2017 model line up extremely positive. Many customers have taken the opportunity to register interest in our new models and we're looking forward to a strong season ahead.

Clothing and accessories retailer, Mega Motorcycle Store, enjoyed its most successful show ever, with managing director Steve Gannicott saying: “It’s been a great week and we’ve seen really positive increases in sales of textile clothing and boots. We set ourselves a target for the show and we’ve beaten that, so it’s been a great Motorcycle Live for us!”

“It’s been another fantastic showcase for motorcycling in the UK, including the world launch of a new British model,” beamed Motorcycle Live’s managing director Finlay McAllan. “With access to every live show and interactive feature included in the ticket price, we’ve also had great feedback from visitors.

“It’s all about the bikes, really,” he added, “and having so many manufacturers here with so many new models for 2017 has made this year’s show one of the very best for visitors to review everything on offer and plan their future motorcycling.”

Make a date for your diary for Motorcycle Live 2017, at The NEC, Birmingham from 18-26 November.

TT rider Michael Dunlop has been shortlisted for the prestigious Torrens Trophy.  The Royal Automobile Club, organisers of the Trophy, announced the shortlist, featuring Dunlop and British riders Cal Crutchlow and Jonathan Rea at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC. The overall winner will be announced at a ceremony on Tuesday 24 January 2017 at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse.”
 
Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee said, “We are delighted to have teamed up once again with Motorcycle Live. It seems only appropriate to announce the contenders of one of the most prestigious industry trophies at the UK’s largest bike show. The Torrens Trophy celebrates an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to motor cycling in Britain.”
 
Each year the Royal Automobile Club awards a series of historic trophies and medals to individuals and organisations, celebrating and recognising outstanding achievements, technical skills and innovation in the motoring and motor sport industries.
 
Last year Torrens Trophy recipient was TT racer Hutchinson. His outstanding determination was a tale of courage and overcoming adversity. From nearly losing his leg and having to endure over 30 gruelling operations to returning to the pinnacle of a sport which dealt him a cruel blow and win multiple TT’s was one of the sport's most courageous stories.
 
The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club member Ben Cussons, well-respected motorcycle journalist Mat Oxley, former racer and commentator Steve Parrish, Club member Richard Bourne (son of motor cycle journalist, Arthur Bourne, whom the Trophy is awarded in memory of) and new to the committee is Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
 
The Torrens Trophy winner will be awarded at the prestigious Pall Mall clubhouse in January 2017. The shortlist of nominees for the 2016 trophy is:
Michael Dunlop
Dunlop won another two Isle of Man TTs last June and raised the Mountain circuit lap record to an astonishing 133.962mph. When it came to riding the fastest bikes around the world’s toughest track, no one could touch him.
 
Jonathan Rea
The Northern Irishmen rode another faultless season in World Superbike to successfully defend his 2015 title and thus become the first man since Carl Fogarty to score back-to-back championship victories in the class.
 
Cal Crutchlow
The former World Supersport champion came of age in MotoGP, twice beating nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi to score Britain’s first premier-class Grand Prix victories since Barry Sheene’s last success way back in 1981.
 
The Torrens Trophy
The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motor cycling world.  The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947.  The first Tourist Trophy race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars - two years before the first TT for motorcycles.
 
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom OR to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motor cycling in the UK OR to have shown outstanding skill in international motor cycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
 
The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motor cycling journalist who wrote a column under the name Torrens. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the RAC. It has only been awarded nine times in its history and only when the club feels that the achievement justifies it.
 
Previous winners of the Torrens Trophy include:

1989 BMW in recognition of their contribution to motor cycle safety through their development of their anti-lock braking system.

1998: The Metropolitan Police’s Ian Kerr for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.

2008: World Superbike Champion James Toseland for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.

2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the fifteenth World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for twenty years.

2014: Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for his unique achievement of securing a fourth British Superbike Championship.

2015 Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TT’s.

The Royal Automobile Club:
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, King Edward Vii awarded the Club its Royal title, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.

The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.

Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Motor Sport Association (MSA), Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation, while continuing to promote its own motoring events, such as the free-to-attend Regent Street Motor Show and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which are two of the highlights of the Club’s London Motor Week.

The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historic trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy, the Torrens Trophy and the Diamond Jubilee Trophy.

RC Express Racing has announced today at the NEC Motorcycle Show that Liverpool Football Club Chief Executive Ian Ayre will be joining the team in a non-executive role.

Road racing fan Ayre will act as ‘Sporting Chairman’ for the Bristol based team, helping to raise the profile of the operation and the sport of motorcycle road racing. With his extensive commercial experience working across major sporting global brands, it is considered that Ayre will offer significant guidance for the team.

Ayre was recently honoured by his peers, taking the accolade of ‘Chief Executive of the Year’ in recognition for his achievements within football and most notably with the Anfield based team. In his time at Liverpool Football Club, Ayre has been instrumental in raising the global profile of the club, particularly within the emerging powerhouse economies of Asia, as well as attracting investment and securing one of the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deals in football with Standard Chartered Bank.

A passionate and lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club, away from the terraces, Ayre is equally comfortable on the grass banks and hedge rows of events such as the Isle of Man TT and Ulster Grand Prix.

“I have always shared my love for football with that of two wheels” commented the newly appointed Sporting Chairman. “Road racing is extremely special and unique sport. It is something that I have followed for many years, regularly heading to the Isle of Man TT with friends on our bikes.” 

Talking further on his association with RC Express, Ayre explained how the appointment to the team became apparent. “I’ve been involved in road racing as a fan for many years so when Ben and Roy explained their vision and after seeing their operation up close I offered to help in a non-executive role. The team have experienced immense success in a short period of time and I feel that they could go on to become the leading team in the road racing paddock. Working with them in a non executive capacity will enable me to help and advise them where appropriate. It is certainly exciting for me personally and something that I am extremely passionate about. There is a tremendous future ahead for RC Express Racing and I’m thrilled to be part of the project, working with Ben, Roy and the rest of the team.”

Speaking on the announcements for the team, Ben Constable confirmed that RC Express was now beginning a new chapter in the team’s history. “This is certainly a very exciting time for everyone involved in the team”, commented the joint owner. “Attracting someone with Ian’s experience in sport to our Bristol based racing team, is something we could never have envisaged. Dad and I knew that Ian was an avid road racing fan, keen biker and highly successful businessman. Our aim was to simply engage in some dialogue, enable Ian to join the team at a race and perhaps seek some advice on how we build and progress for the future. We are excited that Ian is joining us in a non-executive role and will be a huge boost for the team.
 
“His success speaks for itself and Ian has developed Liverpool Football Club into a global commercial entity that rivals teams such as Manchester United and Barcelona. This experience, coupled with his significant knowledge of working with leading international brands can only assist RC Express Racing in our future goals and ambitions. Football and motorcycle racing are two very different sports. From our discussions with Ian, it was very clear that the financial scales between each discipline are significant, but fundamentally the principals remain the same. 
 
“With increased global awareness for events such as the TT, rider profiles now gaining wider public awareness outside the sport and the appeal for brand association from leading businesses, there has never been a greater time to experience growth. Both sports do face similar challenges in terms of attracting investment, ensuring rider and player value is fully maximised, as well as targeting wider communities for fans through direct engagement. Ian has experience in this area and if he can bring even a small element of his knowledge to the sport of motorcycle racing, it can only be of benefit to everyone involved. The entire team is really looking forward to working with Ian and we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his interest in our race team,” stated Constable.

14-time Isle of Man TT winner Ian Hutchinson, who also became the World’s Fastest Road Racer during 2016 with a phenomenal lap of 134.089mph during August’s Ulster Grand Prix, has agreed terms to stay with the Northern Ireland based Tyco BMW team for the 2017 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and the other international road races.

Hutchinson, who took Superstock wins at all three major International Road Races with Tyco BMW including the RL360 Quantum Superstock at the TT Races, and a double in the Superbike class at the Ulster Grand Prix, will also contest next season’s British Superstock Championship. The Bingley rider finished second in the series this season with Tyco BMW.

Speaking of his extended deal, Hutchinson said:
“I’m glad to have finally sorted a deal to stay with Tyco BMW for a second season. Looking back we had a very good run in 2016 with wins at all the International Road Races.  Having now worked together for a season, we know where we need to improve with the obvious goal, to go on now and challenge for the Superbike wins at all of the big three internationals.”

“The BMW S1000RR still has so much potential in Superbike trim on the roads and with another season of British Superstock planned, the aim there will be to go one step better and win the championship next season.”

Team owner Hector Neill said:
“Hutchy did a great job for us this season and whether it was in British championship or the roads, he was always in contentions for wins and podiums and provided both our sponsors and fans with a lot of entertainment.”

“His international hat-trick in the Superstock class and his terrific season in British Superstock proved how well he got on with the Tyco BMW, and to go on and take the world’s fastest track lap record at Dundrod was the icing on the cake.”

“The goal going forward is to build on that success and I’ve never hidden the fact that the Senior TT trophy is the one we really want to win in 2017. It’s the blue-riband road race on the season’s calendar, and along with Hutchy and our dedicated team we will be giving it our very best shot.”