According to an article in the Irish Times (click here) the number of motorcyclists killed on Irish roads has fallen by two thirds in the period 2001-2010, and together with cyclist casualties this represents the largest drop of any road user group. According to the article;
THE NUMBER of cyclists and motorcyclists killed on the roads reduced over the past decade, new research shows.
The decline in deaths for these two groups was greater than for any other groups, according to the figures. Research published by the Road Safety Authority and the Garda reveals a drop of 75 per cent in the number of cyclists killed between 2001 and 2010.
The number of motorcyclists killed in the same period fell by two-thirds.
Welcoming the news, Linda O’Loideoin, Road Safety Officer with MAG Ireland had this to say;
“MAG Ireland is happy to see the improvements in our casualty rates, and while we recognise there is room for further improvement, the figures show what we’ve been saying for some time – that motorcyclists are aware of their vulnerability, and in the main ride defensively and safely.
MAG Ireland also knows that there are further measures which could be taken at minimal or zero cost – such as the legitimate access to bus lanes – which have been shown to improve rider safety in other jurisdictions. We now call on the RSA to revisit their flawed decision on this particular issue and immediately open with-flow bus lanes to motorcycle riders.
Other measures MAG Ireland has long campaigned for, such as reducing the VAT on PPE and an immediate end to the lethal practice of surface dressing roads with loose chippings, would in our view result in still further improvements to the casualty figures.
MAG Ireland calls on the RSA to properly engage with us as motorcyclists, start listening to the very people who really know how to improve motorcycle safety – us riders!”
MAG Ireland believes that the figures also reflect something we’ve been hearing anecdotal evidence of for some time, namely that riders have been taking training and proving it’s worth for years before it became compulsory.
