A Motorcycle Safety and Transport Policy Framework
Summary
It is essential that Government includes motorcycling in the established walking, cycling, and public transport policy paradigm. This will raise awareness, reduce vulnerability (via supporting policies) and provide confidence.
Awareness of motorcycling is an implicit part of overall transport safety. It has been noted by the OECD and others that a key fundamental of motorcycle safety policy is the inclusion of motorcycles in overall transport policy as a first step. By doing this, opportunities and investment in motorcycle safety are unlocked and opportunities are created to reduce rider vulnerability through infrastructure policy.
Description
Please see Theme Three: Motorcycles as a Practical Solution for the steps needed to realise this Action. A major aspect of road user awareness will be an implicit and ever widening recognition at all levels that motorcycles and scooters are part of mainstream transport and a legitimate travel choice for society as a whole.
A more positive attitude to motorcycles from policy makers at all levels will facilitate actions that can lead to wider recognition and acceptance by the public at large. This in turn will lead to greater highway visibility as more are encouraged to ‘Think Bike’ in a more positive way. It will also make it easier to unlock resources and support for more traditional motorcycle safety activities.
Since the publication of the original framework, the 2015 British Road Safety Statement has been released by government. This has showed support for the original framework and encouragingly, has stated that the government will ‘consult on a range of further proposals to support safer motorcycling during 2016’. Highways England, as a government owned company, is now fully engaged with this framework and can bring its influence to bear on the actions within it.
Next Steps
- We will continue to work with various Government departments to resolve difficulties in this area, given its fundamental importance to creating a safer and more rider friendly environment and include motorcycling in the established walking, cycling and public transport policy paradigm
Progress
UPDATE – Action 6 – To Obtain Greater Recognition by Government of Motorcycling as Legitimate Transport to Enable More Focus on Reducing Rider Vulnerability
Government continues to engage discussions with the industry on this matter and Highways England’s involvement in this framework represents a step change in policy. There are significant common interests and objectives, not least the Five Year Health and Safety Plan which includes specific actions for motorcycle safety.
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