Many young people are fascinated by motorcycles. This interest offers the opportunity to get across to them safe principles of road use in a way they enjoy. In 2003, in Great Britain 2.7% of households owned a motorcycle, the majority of them also owned one or more cars. The highest ownership rate is in the South West of England and the lowest in Scotland. There are around 1.52 million motorcycles in Great Britain. The legal definition of a motorcycle is a two wheeled vehicle that is not a moped whose rider must be 17 or over. Mopeds, which are restricted to 50cc and have a maximum speed of 50km (31 miles) per hour, can be legally ridden by 16 year olds. The increase in motorcycle popularity has seen an increase in motorcycle casualties. Between 1993 and 2003 motorcycle traffic grew by 49% compared to an increase of 19% for other road traffic. Details of the legal requirements can be found at www.helpingldrivers.com/riders/legal.htm. While there has been a great deal of publicity given to the increase in leisure motorcycling and the use of sports bikes in particular, it should be noted that 63% of motorcycle trips were for work, business or leisure, compared to 30% for cars. It is important that all the factors are put in place to make the motorcycling experience as safe and as enjoyable as possible. Riders require roads which are designed to meet the needs of single-track vehicles and are well maintained with drivers who are expecting their presence.They need a machine that meets their needs and offers the safest technology. Motorcycle education and training must be sold to riders as a lifetime’s activity rather than a one off event and protective equipment and clothing should be light, comfortable and make full use of the technology of the 21st century. But above all, these items should be fully compatible with each other. They should not be designed and developed in isolation. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting