Three of the industry’s most influential organisations have added their support to the Motorcyclists Matter e-petition, which is now one-third of the way to reaching the target of 100,000 signatures. The MCI, BMF and MAG have publicly voiced their support for the campaign, launched by Bennetts, which urges the government to help increase awareness of two-wheeled users on UK roads by ensuring that bike-related questions are made compulsory in the driving test.
Whilst motorcyclists account for only 1% of road traffic they fall victim to almost 20% of fatalities and the current system of random selection means that some road users are able to pass their driving test without ever answering a question related to motorcycling.
Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training for the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI): “This is a very simple and sensible change that will make a difference. Many road casualties could be avoided if drivers were more aware of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users. Even the addition of just one mandatory question in the Drivers Theory Test specifically about motorcycles will force drivers to ‘think bike’ from a very early stage, encouraging good driving habits, which can only be a good thing for both drivers and riders.”
Motorcycle Action Group Campaigns Manager, Paddy Tyson: “MAG continues to work very closely with the DSA and the DfT, because as training continues to improve for riders, there are very simple, cost effective procedures which could be in place to help avoid the nearly 2/3rds of motorcycle accidents caused by inattentive driving, such as ensuring questions relating to bikers are a compulsory element of the driving test.”
BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder: “Since inattentiveness by other road users causes the majority of motorcycle accidents, the BMF has consistently called for further initiatives to raise the awareness of all vulnerable road users. With over 1.3 million motorcycles on Britain’s roads it’s incredible that prospective drivers can currently pass the test without answering a single question relating to motorcyclists. We would encourage all our members to sign this petition.”
Hannah Squirrell, Associate Director, Bennetts: “We’re delighted to have received support from the three main industry organisations. The campaign has all motorcyclists in mind and can only be beneficial to every rider and everyone associated with the industry.”
More than 31,000 people have already added their signatures to the petition, which has been approved by the government and is now live at www.bikerpetition.co.uk. All two-wheeled road users are urged to add their support to the campaign to reach the target of 100,000 signatures.
FullChatter member Peter Francon runs motorcycle ‘tours’, (though I’m sure he prefers the description ‘adventures’), both guided and self-guided, throughout the Indian sub-continent and more.
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