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Road Safety Minister David Jamieson today announced the publication of the first National Motorcycling Strategy designed to ensure the "mainstreaming" of motorcycling as a means of transport.

The strategy recognises that an increasing number of people are turning to motorcycles and scooters in order to beat congestion as well as riding bikes just for the sheer fun of it.

The strategy aims to ensure that:
• motorcycling is recognised as a "mainstream" mode of transport.
• transport planning and infrastructure decisions fully take motorcycling into account.
• motorcycle design continues to improve.
• the attitudes and behaviour of both drivers and motorcyclists is focused on looking out for each other.
• pre-test and post-test training continues to improve, making it attractive to riders.
• the motorcycle test is reviewed, including a review of the delivery of the Direct Access Scheme.

David Jamieson said:

"This is the first national motorcycling strategy and clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of bikers, ensuring that the needs of motorcyclists are fully considered when making future decisions.

 

“For the first time we have a framework of actions to be pursued over the next few years. Working together with the government, the motorcycle industry and motorcycle user groups can help to ensure that motorcycling becomes fully recognised and catered for as a means of transport on our roads."

 

Craig Carey-Clinch, Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) Director of Public Affairs added:

"The industry is delighted to welcome this extremely important step in motorcycle policy development. Now that National Motorcycle Strategy is in place, we can move forward and further develop policies which can improve safety, access and security for motorcycle users.”

 

Notes:

1. The strategy covers a whole range of issues including suitable infrastructure, traffic management measures, motorcycle design, safety issues including improved training, and taxation. It takes account of the recommendations made to Government by the Advisory Group on Motorcycling.

2. The Advisory Group on Motorcycling, whose membership included the motorcycle industry, retailers, user groups, motoring associations, local government and the police, submitted a report to Government in August 2004. The report contained 16 suggestions and 38 recommendations. These were made in the context of detailed advice to Government on safety, vehicle design, integration and traffic management, environmental and fiscal issues, statistics and research.

3. The National Motorcycle Council is an umbrella group for the main UK motorcycling organisations. It was set up to provide a forum for the different interests within the motorcycle and powered two-wheeler community. Membership includes manufacturer and dealer associations, rider groups, and training/safety organisations. Its Mission Statement is to initiate and pursue agreed objectives in order to promote the use of powered two-wheelers, and establish them as a mode which is recognised to be an integral part of transport in the new millennium.

Source: DfT News Release 2005/0017