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The Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
Motorcycling Safety Position Paper - February 2001
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Motorcycling is an important and popular mode of transport,
which has some environmental advantages over other forms of
motorised transport, as well as other advantages such as flexible
journeys and sometimes more efficient use of road and parking
space. Unfortunately, it is also associated with a significant
accident and casualty risk.
1.2 The purpose of this paper is to:
a) outline the current situation regarding the crash risk
associated with motorcycling
b) identify existing problems and potential safety interventions
c) develop RoSPA’s policy positions in relation to motorcycling.
1.3 Motorcycles, also described as two-wheeled motor vehicles
(TWMVs) and powered two-wheelers (PTWs), encompass a variety
of vehicles, the main types being mopeds, scooters and motorcycles.
The terms motorcycles, Two-wheeled Motor Vehicles and Powered
Two Wheelers are interchangeable in this paper, and except where
specified, refer to all types of the vehicles listed above.
1.4 The Government’s Road Safety Strategy, “Tomorrow’s Roads
: Safer for Everyone” states that the government’s aims for
improving the safety of motorcycling are :
· to improve training and testing for all learner riders;
· to publish advice for people returning to motorcycling
after a break, and people riding as part of their work;
· to ensure the quality of instruction; · through training
and testing, to help drivers become more aware of how vulnerable
motorcyclists are;
· to promote improvements in engineering and technical standards
which could protect motorcyclists better; and to work with representatives
of interested organisations, in an advisory group, to look at
issues of concern.
1.5 The DETR’s Guidance on Local Transport Plans requires
Local Authorities to consider the needs of motorcyclists when
developing their local transport plans, policies and strategies.
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