Interesting Article

[karen_moomin]

This is an article out of The Sentinel (today's I think) which my friend who works in the motors section emailed me:

'Most motorcyclists are responsible road users, so it is good news that they have been differentiated from the tiny minority who ride in a deliberately reckless manner, ruining the reputation of all in the process,' said Frank Finch, motorcycle retailers director of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), commenting on a new road safety report published today (Tuesday 15 June 2004) by the AA Motoring Trust.

The AA Motoring Trust's European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP) 2004 points to motorcycle users as being threatened by dangers not faced by other road users, while at the same time makes the distinction between the vast majority of responsible road users, and the reckless minority who put themselves and others at risk.'

The report also notes that riders are being killed in large numbers in accidents with cars. Finch said: 'Too frequently this is caused by motorists simply not seeing motorcycles. Most riders already recognise how vulnerable they can be, but this is only half the battle. Motorists need to be made more aware of motorcycles. The need for awareness is included within the Government's successful THINK campaign, but more can still be done.'

However, Finch notes that casualty figures must be considered in the light of recent increases in motorcycle usage: 'Any increase in casualties is of great concern to the industry. The RMI is working closely with Government and other organisations to reduce the absolute number of casualties. But it must be recognised that in real terms, the rider fatality rate has not changed significantly in the last 10 years.'

Finch also welcomes the calls for changes to road design, and for UK authorities to act on new research: 'Road layouts and road furniture design, particularly on junctions, can make motorcycle use potentially more dangerous than it need be. Appropriate road furniture can make all the difference for a motorcycle user.'

Finch adds: 'As the report says, motorists must think bike, but so too must road engineers.'

[iCraig]

I think more training should be required for car drivers, or make them ride a scooter for a year before they're allowed to get there full car licence.

You can always tell when theres a motorcyclist driving a car don't you think, there courteous, look out for bike and generally better drivers

[Nighteyes]

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[Bendy]

A year is way overkill, but I think it would be a good idea for people sitting their car test to have had to complete a CBT and vice versa, people doing their bike test to have had to do a day in a car.

The former gives the cager a real taste of how vulnerable you are on a bike, the latter gives the biker a taste of what it's like to have a much bigger vehicle to be in control and aware of.

And yeah, there's some appalling road design out there. It's actually something I could be interested in getting into, as it annoys me immensely.

[karen_moomin]

[Bendy]

Ask him what qualifications you need to become a traffic engineer too

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I've noticed they never seem to include for Motorbike parking in new developments. Actually speaking from experience, "trust me I'm an Architect" planning don't even ask for it, but they're all over you for disabled and pedal cycle spaces.
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[karen_moomin]