MOTOR CYCLE INDUSTRY SAYS RIDER SAFETY MUST FOCUS ON RIDER ENGAGEMENT, NOT RIDER VILIFICATION
24 June 2004 - Motor Cycle Industry Association Ltd

The Motor Cycle Industry Association says that today’s announcement of the 2003 Provisional Road CasualtyStatistics by the Department for Transport (DfT) has underlined the need for positive action on rider safety such as that which is being taken by the motorcycle industry.

Provisional figures released by the DfT reveal that the overall number of motorcycle casualties in 2003 remained more or less static compared to 2002, with 28,411 involved in injury accidents. Unfortunately, the number of riders killed in collisions rose by 14% to 693.

Craig Carey-Clinch, MCI’s Director of Public Affairs said; ‘Clearly, the rise in the number of riders killed is a major cause for concern which requires urgent action by all involved in motorcycling. The MCI published the industry’s first comprehensive safety plan in October 2003 and these alarming new figures underline the need for Government and the motorcycle community to support and help implement the safety plan’s recommendations.’
MCI’s safety plan outlines key initiatives which focus on education, training, rider assessment and the policy environment, which if implemented in full could have a major and positive impact on rider safety. The industry has been a key mover in the development of post test training standards and has strongly supported the policeled ‘Bikesafe’ initiative. In addition, the industry will be launching a range of point of sale materials which focus
on safety, this will include a new rider skills development DVD.

MCI also has a strong message for those who are quick to jump to conclusions about motorcycle casualties.

Carey-Clinch said; ‘What is not needed is another wave of anti motorcycle hysteria of the sort which we have seen of late from local campaigners and individuals from road safety organisations. What is also not needed is for the motorcycle community to close ranks and blame the Government and everyone else for the current situation.

Although Government and the police have a huge role to play in motorcycle safety, ultimately, in many cases, it is largely down to the skill and judgement of the individual rider which determines whether or not an accident can happen and MCI is working with others to provide the tools that riders need to help improve their skill levels and improve safety.’

Safety improvement requires rider engagement, not rider vilification which is why the MCI particularly support the Bikesafe initiative. Last month saw the launch of Bikesafe on a national basis at the MCI conference ‘Motorcycle Safety -- Working Towards Sustainable Road Safety’.

However, the longer term success of Bikesafe
relies upon active support from the motorcycle community and funding from Government which is not currently forthcoming. MCI urges Ministers to re think their stance on Bikesafe funding in light of these new casualty figures.

However, MCI also today praises the work which has been facilitated by Government through the ministerial-led Advisory Group for Motorcycling. Carey-Clinch said; ‘The Advisory Group points the way ahead in gaining a greater understanding of motorcycle safety and in developing motorcycling’s role in transport infrastructure and planning. Local authorities in particular need to take note of this work, as they also have a key role to play in
reducing rider vulnerability through the local transport planning process.’

Carey-Clinch added; ‘Today’s figures are dreadful in terms of the individual tragedies involved, but now is not the time to lose our heads. The active work being done by industry, police, rider groups and Government points the way ahead to safer motorcycling. In addition, the forthcoming launch of Europe’s first Government supported National Motorcycle Strategy later this year also serves to send a positive message about the future of
rider safety.’ ‘It is also worth noting that recent increases in the number of casualties to a great extent reflect the massive increase in motorcycling in recent years. If the number of casualties are compared against the amount of new
motorcycling that is going on (the casualty rate), the chances of having a crash are the lowest for a number of years. We expect this trend to continue when the full casualty report is published by the DfT later this year.’

www.mcia.co.uk

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