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IMPROVE ROADS TO IMPROVE BIKE SAFETY SAY MOTORCYCLE RETAILERS
'Improving road design and conditions would greatly reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in the UK, as these factors cause far more crashes than inappropriate speed,' said Mike Owen, Head of the Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA), part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).
Owen was commenting on the Government's response to a report published today (Tuesday 19 June 2007), by the House of Commons Transport Committee on the Motorcycling Strategy.
The Committee had recommended that limiting the speed of motorbikes could greatly reduce the number of motorcycle accidents. However the Government's response highlights research indicating that only 9 per cent of motorcycle crashes are the result of inappropriate speed.
Owen continues: Most motorcycle crashes are the result of poor road design, non-motorcycle road furniture, or poor conditions, including fuel spillages. The focus should be on these areas. Continuing to improve overall road conditions would have a far more meaningful effect.'
Road conditions can be improved through:
Tightening of bends
Decreased road surface sloping on roundabouts
Improved manhole placement
Improved sightlines and signage on junctions
The Report also emphasises the Government's opposition to the Off Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill. Its intention is to regulate the sale and use of mini-bikes. However trials bikes, motor cross bikes, circuit bikes, and quads, which do not need number plates if only used off road, could be forced to carry number plates as well.
Despite the lack of Government support, the bill has passed its first and second reading in the House of Commons, and will next pass to the committee stage.
Owen said: 'we are facing an unnecessary extra level of regulation that could cause problems for the already law-abiding motorcycle retailers, and riders. What is required is robust enforcement.'
Owen adds: 'The Government is on the right track in this instance, and the MRA supports its intentions.
084/AW/N/19 June 2007
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