Improving rider safety through the Motorcycling Strategy
Although motorcycling is a rewarding and efficient way of getting around unfortunately it is still the case that a disproportionate number of motorcyclists are killed or injured on UK roads each year.
Motorcyclists make up only around 1% of road traffic but suffer around 20% of deaths and serious injuries. This means 1 in 5 road deaths involve a motorcyclist - an alarming figure.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recognise that more can be done to educate motorcycle riders and are currently developing a number of key initiatives as part of the Government’s Motorcycling Strategy
, all of which are designed to help reduce the number of casualties each year.
Research is being undertaken into standards for both riders and instructors and also into the training industry to gain a better understanding and establish best practice. One of the key initiatives is a review of current pre-test training and the Direct Access scheme (DAS). Once this is complete the exercise will be extended to improving the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Another initiative is the production of a comprehensive motorcycling DVD to tackle specific problem areas. The DVD is aimed at riders of all kinds of bikes and pitched at key stages in a rider’s motorcycling career; whether they are just getting started, interested in advanced riding techniques or thinking about becoming an instructor.
The development of a Register of post-test motorcycle trainers (RPMT) is underway, which riders can look to with confidence when trying to find an approved trainer in their local area to help them continue developing their skills once they’ve passed the initial motorcycle test. This mix of research and activity will engage with the motorcycling community; supporting and addressing the needs of motorcyclists as part of its aim to improve their safety.
Page last updated: 26/01/2007