Statistics show that motorcyclists are more at risk per mile ridden than any other type of road user. In addition, although the number of road accident fatalities in the UK has decreased in recent years, the number of motorcyclist fatalities has risen and the distribution of casualties has changed. Growing proportions of casualties are to older riders, and involve motorcycles over 500cc engine capacity. TRL Limited was commissioned by the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions to undertake a scoping study of motorcycle safety. This included a review of literature and current research, with a view to identifying areas where further research was needed. Characteristics of motorcycle use leading to accidents include their high instability, rider vulnerability, lack of visibility to car drivers, sensation-seeking behaviour and use of powerful motorcycles. Better motorcyclist training, anti-lock braking systems, and high conspicuity clothing are among the suggestions to reduce accident rates. (Author/publisher)
Abstract