Safer motorcycling guidelines welcomed by Minister

More of Britain's roads could be designed with the safety of motorcyclists in mind thanks to a new website launched today.

For the first time, the award-winning Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers Guidelines for Motorcycling are available online at motorcycleguidelines.org.uk.

Broken down into individual chapters it explains how motorcycles need to be considered in policy, design and maintenance, parking and road safety.

Motorcycling is an increasingly popular alternative to the car, cutting congestion in urban areas and providing low-cost mobility in rural areas . Advantages of the motorcycle include independence and mobility; greater access to employment opportunities; and shorter journey times in congested traffic conditions. However, the specific needs of motorcyclists must be taken into account in the design, operation and maintenance of the road environment if road safety is to be maximised.

The website, funded by the Department for Transport and IHIE with support from the RAC Foundation, provides authoritative and practical advice to highways engineers and traffic managers on how to engineer a safer transport environment for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

The Government's Motorcycling Strategy, published in February 2005, set out a plan of action to improve the safety of motorcyclists by facilitating motorcycling as a choice of travel within a safe and sustainable transport framework. The Motorcycling Guidelines website has been created as part of this Strategy.

Launching the new site, Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "This website makes the excellent IHIE motorcycling guidelines available to the widest possible audience. Projects like this show the real benefits of the Government's Motorcycling Strategy, which has brought together a range of expert groups all working towards making motorcyclists safer.

"Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups on British roads today. They account for just 1% of all road traffic, but for 20% of all those killed or seriously injured. That is why the Government is fully committed to reducing motorcycle casualties and in our Motorcycling Strategy we outlined a series of measures to reduce motorcycle casualties and improve conditions for motorcyclists."

Sheila Rainger, Acting Director of the RAC Foundation, said "We are delighted to support the Guidelines for Motorcycling website. The motorcycle plays an essential role as a congestion-buster in our cities and an affordable transport option in rural areas. Making the IHIE Guidelines for Motorcycling on available on the internet will help to create a safer environment for riders."