An MCI survey, carried out by Tickbox.net has found that the general
public has inaccurate perceptions of motorcyclists' speed of travel when
these are set against the results of Government research.
In the Tickbox survey, over half (57%) of respondents thought that
motorcyclists were likely to speed on their way to work but only 23%
thought car drivers were likely to speed.
However, official Government surveys of thousands of vehicles have shown
the average recorded speed of PTWs surveyed is at or within the
prevailing limit. Whilst a significant minority, about 1 in 4, exceed
the limit by more than 5mph in built-up areas or 10mph in non-built-up
areas, the figures show that about 1 in 5 car drivers are doing the
same.
The Tickbox survey revealed that the view of motorcycle riders among
those surveyed are closer to the official findings, particularly in
urban areas. There was a 3 way split of opinion among motorcyclists,
with 35% suggesting car drivers were the speeding culprits, compared to
the 33% who considered the riders themselves to be at fault. 30% said
that they thought neither was more likely to speed on the way to work.
Government statistics show that driver figures for speeding are very
similar to riders and in light of current discussions on lowering speed
limits and intelligent speeding systems on bikes the motorcycle industry
wants to raise awareness that speed is not the only factor that should
be focussed on when dealing with road safety issues.
MCI's Craig Carey-Clinch said, "Speed limits have a key role to play,
but they must be relevant to conditions on the road in a given
situation. Setting arbitrary lower limits for the sake of it isn't
always helpful and can contribute to riders and drivers taking less
responsibility for their actions as they focus less on the road and more
on watching their speedometer. It is more important that all road users
are well trained, aware of other road users and competently skilled so
they are able to react appropriately in all situations"
"New technological developments, which could lead to remote control over
bikes also pose some concerns. Technology that can inform riders in
real-life situations does have value, but if they are designed to the
extent that it interferes with a rider's control and ability to complete
manoeuvres, then this becomes a serious issue.
" The industry is committed to making roads safer for all users but
believes that a broader approach that addresses training, skills,
attitudes and infrastructure in addition to sensible speed choice is the
most effective way we can reduce road casualties"
