This paper presents some of the preliminary work carried out to improve existing methods of motorcycle training. Special attention is given to ways to promote habitual accident avoidance behaviour by young motorcyclists. The literature on the ineffectiveness of current motorcycle training and the decay of short term benefits with time after training is discussed. Results are presented from a cross sectional path analysis of the law and rule breaking behaviour of 92 male motorcyclists under 20 years of age. Data were taken from a postal questionnaire administered in 1989. The analysis included: a) bibliographical and demographic variables (ie experience of formal training and educational level); b) measures of riders' generalised expectations about safety; c) variables based on the Health Belief Model (for example, perceived benefits such as enjoyment of danger, or perceived disadvantages, such as journey time). This cross sectional path analysis is used to construct an approximate "map" of the relative cognitive structures which determine the dangerous behaviour of these motorcyclists. An example is provided of an analysis of the highway code breaking behaviour of 104 motorcyclists aged under the age of 25. The results indicate that these motorcyclists regard a sense of danger as a benefit, and the extra time required to stay within the law as a disadvantage. The strength of this attitude is affected: a) by the riders' perceived risk of being killed; b) by the chance of being caught breaking the law; and c) resentment at other road users taking advantage of them when they obey the law themselves.
Abstract