Motorcycling
|
Strategy |
Motorcycling Strategy |
|---|---|
|
Status |
Draft |
|
LTP Objectives |
6. Make Travel Safer |
|
Supporting Strategies |
Road Safety |
|
Main Partners |
Motorcycle Forum, Luton Borough Council |
|
Key Actions |
Casualty Reduction Plan, Training, Parking |
|
Further Information |
LTP Appendix L |
Recent trends in motorcycle casualty numbers is a problem in Bedfordshire, with 1 in 6 fatalities on our roads being motorcyclists. In response to the recommendations and objectives of Bedfordshire’s Road Safety Strategy, a new motorcycle forum has been established. The Bedfordshire and Luton Motorcycle Forum, otherwise known as ‘Motorcycling Matters’ has produced a draft motorcycling strategy, which can be found in Appendix L.
The aims of the motorcycling strategy are:
- To reduce the number and severity of motorcyclist casualties;
- To encourage greater use of motorcycles, though not at the expense of more sustainable modes of transport;
- To improve access and facilities for motorcycle users;
- To improve road safety awareness in respect of motorcycles, of actual riders and of other road users;
- To increase the number of secure motorcycle parking facilities and to review other motorcycle parking provision;
- To meet the objectives of both Bedfordshire County Council's and Luton Borough Council's second Local Transport Plans;
- To encourage greater integration of motorcycling within transportation and land-use policy and planning; and
- To promote local training schemes for all riders especially novice and return riders.
The Forum is ever increasing in its size and diversity and continues to attract interest from many different quarters of the motorcycling population. Motorcycling Matters is currently providing the best opportunity for motorcyclists to be able to have a voice and become involved in the development of transport strategy in the County. The group has also enlisted the help of the Motorcycle Industry Association to assist in shaping policy and priorities to be delivered through the LTP and other means.
Picture 17 Motorcyclist training
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The forum will therefore initially focus on casualty reduction. A draft local target has been developed to tackle this issue, along with targets to improve parking provision and reduce thefts. Beyond this, the forum will decide what issues to focus on, but this is expected to include rider training and secure parking. We will use best practice from elsewhere to help us, including the new guidelines produced by the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers.