The Government has announced plans to tackle the high rate of motorcycle casualties, calling for suggestions on ‘long-term’ solutions.
Ministers unveiled initial plans today in a consultation designed to improve training standards for cyclists, however they also called for views on how they could go further making possible regulatory changes.
The move comes after 2013 figures show motorcyclists accounted for 22% of all road user deaths despite representing only 1% of vehicle traffic - 19% of all reported motorcycle casualties involved young riders aged 19 and under. Training standards could be improved by aligning the Compulsory Basic Training process with the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training framework and develop training materials to reflect this, ministers suggested.
Trainers themselves could also come under more scrutiny, with ministers suggesting they could revise the qualification process for motorcycle instructors and bring in a system of ‘earned recognition’ for training schools who:
- demonstrate best training practice,
- provide a quality service,
- achieve better than satisfactory standards check results, and
- voluntarily undertake DAS standards checks
Under the amended Road Traffic Act 1988 provisional licence holders must successfully complete an approved CBT course before they are permitted to ride a motorcycle or moped unaccompanied on the road. The CBT certificate is valid for two years and allows the learner rider to ride a moped or small motorcycle unaccompanied.
To continue to ride after the two-year period, the rider must either pass a motorcycle test or undertake another CBT.
