GAG ‘EM NO MORE - TIME FOR ACTION SAY BMF
02 August 2004 - BMF

The BMF has welcomed the long awaited Government ‘Advisory Group Report on Motorcycling’ published today, but says that with motorcycle road deaths up 14% in 2003, it’s now time for the Government to get serious about taking action on road casualties.

Five years in the making and drawn up with the help of key players in the motorcycling and road safety world, the wide-ranging report covers all the major aspects of powered two-wheeler (PTW) usage, from safety through to noise and emissions.

As a member of the Government Advisory Group On Motorcycling (GAGM), the 140,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation, the UK’s largest and most influential rider organisation, says that the comprehensive 69-page report is a landmark document, but will be wasted if Government does not act upon its recommendations.

The BMF supports all of the reports recommendations, but singles out the following for specific Government action:

Training:

The Government:

· To consider whether a minimum number of hours training should be introduced, following CBT, to ensure that the correct level of training is given.

· To review training content so that riders learn braking, cornering, skid and speed control skills at the national speed limits, not just in urban areas.

· To consider if the Direct Access route to a licence adequately equips riders for the conditions that they face on the road and to introduce ongoing Direct Access instructor monitoring.

· That a scheme along the lines of Pass-Plus be introduced for motorcyclists

That manufacturers consider subsidies for advanced training as part of a co-ordinated approach to promoting advanced training and rider assessments.

Accidents
The Government should consider:

· The scope for a new Roads Accident Investigation Board.

· That research is needed into the relationship between accident risk and rider factors such as previous experience; type of test/training; breaks from riding and the road environment where accidents take place.

Accidents continued: The Government should consider:

· That as a large proportion of rider casualties are caused by others, inclusion of bike awareness questions in the car driving theory test should be considered.

· That there is a need for a deeper understanding of the underlying accident causation factors, particularly for fatal accidents.

· That the role of road-user education be enhanced by bringing it in to schools, as it is done in Northern Ireland.

· That policing should be targeted on better driving/riding standards through enforcement and education.

· That the DfT''s THINK! publicity should continue for all modes of transport

Understanding

· That the press should be discouraged from glamorising high speed, extreme behaviour.

· That the DfT should publish a Compendium of Motorcycling Statistics in 2004

· That the Government measure ‘rate-based’ trends for motorcycle casualties in addition to the existing Road Safety Strategy casualty reduction targets

· That encouragement be given to the fitment of advanced braking systems

· That DfT considers extending the Vehicle Identity Check to motorcycles

· That the Government should review to use bus lanes and give a lead on their use

Safety was given an understandable priority on GAGM say the BMF, but the aim was also to consider all aspects of PTW use and agree on measures to better involve powered two wheelers in an integrated transport policy.

The BMF was instrumental in the report’s more comprehensive inclusion of aspects such as traffic management, bus lane access, noise issues and concerns over VAT on helmets and protective clothing.

The BMF commend the Government and Minister David Jamieson for steering GAGM through to its conclusion, but adds that the report must not be allowed to gather dust and is anxious that the recommendations should be taken forwards to a National Motorcycle Strategy for which it has been campaigning during the course of the GAGM.

The BMF is now looking forward to the publication of the Government’s National Motorcycle Strategy (expected in the autumn) along with a new National Motorcycle Forum, similar in practice to that already in place for motorists.

www.bmf.co.uk

More News
  For August 2004
  From BMF
  For Associations
  Biker247.com Home Page