The Motor Cycle Industry Association today welcomed the news that
motorcycle user casualties are at their lowest levels since 1998
according to statistics released by the Department for Transport today.
Over the last year there has been a ten percent reduction in the number
of motorcycle casualties. The number seriously injured has reduced by 13
percent and the number of killed has decreased by 16 percent.
By contrast, the number of miles travelled by motorcyclists has risen
each year and the figure is now 37% higher than they were in 2003,
showing that motorcycling is getting safer mile by mile..
The MCI who has invested heavily in safety over the last five years
welcomes this reduction and is encouraged for the future.
Motorcyclists, however, are still vulnerable road users and face
inequality in transport policy and on the roads today. There are now
more than 1.5 million motorcycles in use, which accounts for about 5% of
all motor vehicles, but they are still represented too highly in
casualty statistics.
Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, " The news
that motorcycling casualties are at their lowest level since 1998 is
very heartening. However, there is no room for complacency by
government, industry or road users.
"Now, more than ever it is crucial that the Government takes action to
quickly start and implement the recently launched 'Government Motorcycle
Strategy', the IHIE guidelines are taken on board by local councils and
motorcycle- friendly action is included in Local Transport Plans to
ensure we can continue to build on the successes and improve road
safety."
The MCI is due to launch its updated 19 Point Safety Strategy which has
formed the backbone of the last three years works to improve motorcycle
safety. The MCI announced today that it had completed all of its actions
and was only unsuccessful where there was lack of government
intervention and support. This demonstrates that it is possible to
reduce the number of motorcycle casualties, but it will only be achieved
by working in partnership.
