Empirical studies reveal that in spite of a general decrease in accident numbers young riders aged 18-20 are still overrepresented in accidents. The present study analyses riders' attitudes towards risk exposure due to so-called beginner risks and youth risks. A questionnaire was submitted to two groups of respondents on the occasion of motorcycle fairs. The total number of respondents amounted to 389. Data was differentiated and analyzed according to the age of the test persons. On the whole there are marked differences in attitudes between the different age groups. Especially for the young riders aged 18-20 the motorcycle is an essential element of their leisure-time activities and offers various possibilities of social contacts. Young riders consider the motorcycle as an opportunity to have new sensational experiences and to escape the monotony of their everyday lives. The young riders in particular want to experience dynamic aspects and performance limits of their bikes and have a tendency to ascribe the motorcycles' performance to their individual abilities. On the basis of these results the present study presents suggestions for a pedagogical concept linking leisure time facilities and safety training programs off-road, on race tracks and in real traffic in order to achieve a reduction in the risk exposure of young riders.
Samenvatting