 |
|
 |
 |
| > FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME - 17/04/07 |
It is bigger, brighter and better looking. It is the Sutton Council Bike Safety Scheme. If you missed us last year, don't worry, because we are back again this year, not once, not twice ,but three times during 2007.
The stage is set in the St Nicholas Shopping Centre in Sutton. On Saturday 28th April, on the ground floor, we will be filling the arena with bikes and the people who ride them. This will be a trio performance with a common theme and a shared objective. The theme is the joy of riding a motorcycle or scooter and the objective is to help you do it with style and safety.
Who will be there to help you? The Army, whose record on two wheels goes back to pre-war days - and that's the First World War! Then there's Sutton Council's Principal Road Safety Officer, Roy Buchanan. A motorcyclist for 44 years who is riding over the Italian Alps in September on holiday. Finally, our new recruit for this year is Gary Palmer of BikeWize, the rider training school in Cheam. Gary has a fantastic pass rate for his students so if it is quality training you are after the number is 0208 286 2997.
Motorcycling is great fun and it doesn't have to be on a high-powered sports bike. Teenagers enjoy their youth on scooters that are no more than 125cc. Don't listen to what people say, size doesn't matter. It is the brotherhood of safe motorcycling that is important and that is why these shows are presented.
Motorcycles are not dangerous. They are vulnerable. Learn how to handle the vulnerability and safety is within your grasp.
At the St Nicholas Centre there will be posters, leaflets and T-shirts but the best bit is to talk to those who do it - and love it.
Put the dates in your diary now. Saturday 28th April and Saturday 6th October, 10 am until 4 pm and, if you are a 6th Former in the Borough, ask the Head of 6th Form to bring you on an away day to the new TA Barracks in Stonecot Hill between July 11th to 13th when the Council and the Army are having an open house for teenagers interested in riding any powered two wheeler.
For further information please call Roy Buchanan on 0208 770 6463 during normal office hours..
|
|
| > EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS - 07/02/07 |
Don't think of Manchester United or Barcelona, think Of Sutton.
The London Borough of Sutton was one of six organisations to be chosen from over 500 hopefuls to be honoured by the European Commission with the Award for Excellence in Road Safety. In the category for Local Authorities, the independent panel of judges sitting in Brussels thought Sutton are the best in Europe for the work being done in training children in pedestrian skills and cycling.
Moving up a gear they were also impressed with the attempts being made in partnership with the Army to tackle the problem of powered two wheelers especially teenage scooter riders. Both the Army and Sutton's Road Safety Officer have a long tradition of motorcycling and want young people to enjoy the past-time to the full.
In 2007 the partnership will be exhibiting in the St Nicholas Shopping Centre in Sutton when riders young - and old - can come come along for advice on safe riding. You don't have to be a sporting rider or a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast. Perhaps you may be thinking of buying a scooter as a congestion beater that burns less fuel. We will talk on any motorcycling issue. We will even listen to car driver's complaints.
Look for us in St Nicks on Saturday 14th April and Saturday 6th October 2007. If it's got two wheels and an engine, we'll talk about it.
|
|
| > Do You Want To Be a Knight Rider? - 07/02/07 |
This is the suggestion that won Roy Buchanan, Sutton's motorcycling Road Safety Officer, a set of new Michelin tyres for his bike.
A letter to the Editor of Motorcycle Rider, the journal of the British Motorcyclists Federation. was the 'Star Letter' in the latest edition of the magazine.
Roy was responding to a comment made by the Deputy Chief Constable of North Wales who supports the idea that motorcyclists should be banned from National Parks particularly in the summer and on bank holidays. This follows complaints from residents that motorcyclists are an anti-social nuisance.
Roy's rallying call was for motorcyclists to reverse the reputation gained by a few but attributed to all riders. Negative retaliation towards the anti-motorcycling lobby is counter-productive. He advised riders to demonstrate exemplary conduct both on and off their machines.
He went on to say that riders should demonstrate their worth by riding with skill and consideration for other road users especially those with less ability. His maxim is that calm competence is the hallmark of the expert rider.
Could it be that we have something to learn from the Age of Chivalry. May be if we aimed to be knight-riders we would gain the public's respect and be welcomed wherever we go.
Romantic perhaps. Achievable? It's up to you.
|
|
| > SCOOTERSAFE-LONDON - 01/09/06 |
You may have heard of BikeSafe and thought I am not a motorcyclist so it is not for me. ScooterSafe is an off-shoot and is aimed at anyone who would like to improve their scooter rding skills.
It is aimed at riders of small powered two wheelers up to 250cc. It is meant to attract riders of all ages who ride or would like to ride a scooter for whatever reason. You may use it for commuting. You may be a teenager. You may just be riding it with a view to buying a bigger machine later. You may be a mature road user looking for a cheaper, less time consuming method of travel
The reason is irrelevant. There is no element of advanced riding so you will not be pushed beyond your capabilities. The objective is to address the road safety issues affected by scooter riding and encourage a change from car use.
More information is available on the website www.scootersafe-london.co.uk or by telephoning 0845 230 1894 or by calling the Sutton Road Safety Officer on 0208 770 6463.
|
|
| > Roman Holiday Has The Clue - 30/08/06 |
Only aficionados of cinema history and the elderly will know about the black and white classic film "Roman Holiday" starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Made in 1951 it is a romantic comedy that saw Hepburn rocket to Hollywood stardom after she won an Academy Award for her role as a princess tired of protocol. However, the film also helped another newcomer to stardom, the Vespa scooter. The little Italian two wheeler went on to become an icon of modern design and, although the choice of scooter is now considerable, it is still the Vespa that has a magic of its own.
Intended to give the masses a cheap form of transport in post-war Europe the scooter has become something of a fashion accessory in the 21st century. A new breed of rider is being attracted to the scooter simply because it gives virtually all the benefits of a motorcycle with some advantages.
It will get you through traffic congestion. It is very cheap to run. It needs very little space for parking. With a screen it offers very good weather protection so you don't need expensive clothing.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Matching top-boxes are plentiful. There is a choice of two and four stroke engines and modern technology makes them light years away from the early models that were so often temperamental and smokey.
If you sit in heavy traffic each morning or think that two wheels is not for you let Roy Buchanan, Sutton Council's Principal Road Safety Officer, persuade you otherwise. Although Roy is a motorcyclist at heart, his first machine was a German scooter that cost him £52. A small price for the freedom it brought.
Sutton's Road Safety Unit is planning a scooter promotion for next spring but if you can't wait that long please ring 0208 770 6463 and let the Road Safety Officer talk you into a new dimension in personal travel.
You too can look as cool as Gregory Peck.
|
|
| > JUNCTIONS - Right Turners Get It Wrong - 11/08/06 |
Powered two wheelers are in danger at junctions. This warning comes from the initial analysis of the 2005 accident figures for Sutton. Most accidents involving motorcycles and scooters occur when a car either turns right into a side road or turns right out of a side road.
Blaming the car driver is easy but what can the rider do to avoid these collisions. When approaching a junction, assume that the car waiting waiting to turn right into the side road will do so before you have passed. If the car is coming out of the side road assume it will in front of you.
Slow down, even if you are already keeping to the speed limit. Move away from the car to give the driver the maximum margin for error. This may imply nervousness on your part but it is better to be cautious and alive than bold and dead.
Watch an experienced rider. Notice how his position in the carriageway continually alters and ask, why? Why did he ease out towards the crown of the road as he passed the car waiting in the side road? Why did he take up a postion on the left as he approached the car in the middle of the road indicating right?
Coming a poor second in the pecking order of causes of accidents is the rider who runs into the back of the vehicle in front. I am sorry fellas but this is usually down to you. The hallmark of a novice is riding too close and in line with the vehicle you are following. Try riding a bit further back and to the right so that if the car stops, and you can't , you will go up the off side not into the boot lid.
Third in the league table is the rider who simply loses control. Swerving to avoid old ladies, manhole covers, even an accident blocking the road, tells me that concentration and observation are below standard.
Eliminate the cut and thrust style of the show-off. Fine on the track, unimpressive on the road. It irritates drivers and gets all riders a bad name.
WATCH OUT FOR SUTTON COUNCIL'S AUTUMN CAMPAIGN.
There will be a distribution of of the RoSPA leaflet "Ride Safe" that offers advice on how to avoid the 5 most common motorcycle accidents. Car drivers will be targeted with posters asking them to look more thoroughly when turning right at junctions. The DfT's slogan of the 70's is still so apt today, "Think Once, Think Twice, Think BIKE."
But if you just want to talk about motorcycle safety call ROY BUCHANAN, your local road safety officer, on 0208 770 6463. He has been a motorcyclist for over 43 years.
|
|
| > BMF ROUGH ROADS – REPORT-A-ROAD SUCCESS - 03/05/06 |
‘Report-A-Road’, the web-based facility set up by the British Motorcyclists Federation to speed up the process of repairing poorly surfaced roads, has proved a major success.
Set up early last year, feedback from members of the 120,000 strong BMF has shown how successful reporting can be. Although motorcycles and scooters cause less damage to roads than any other motorised vehicle, two wheeled vehicles are more susceptible to defective road surfaces but getting defects repaired has traditionally been very difficult.
Now, using data based on county, local, and unitary authorities responsible for road repairs and street lighting, the BMF’s Report-A-Road facility brings all these authorities together in an alphabetically indexed list of counties for the whole of the UK.
Just clicking on the appropriate link and sending an email now automatically ensures that the fault details are sent to the right person.
The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey, conducted by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), recently reported on the lack of investment in Britain’s road maintenance. With worn out surfaces, potholes, sunken drains, manhole covers and the use of over-banding often seen to be a contributory factor in motorcycle and scooter accidents, the BMF say that the rider often spends more time checking the road surface for hazards than on anticipating potential dangers from other road users.
Commenting on the success of Report-A-Road, BMF Chief Executive Simon Wilkinson-Blake said: “This is a service we introduced to make it as easy as possible for riders to report defects and it’s working well. Local Authorities have even asked to be included on the list because they are obliged to keep roads in good repair. This is a good example of the BMF in action: ‘Motorcyclists Working for Motorcyclists’!”
|
|
| > On track to make government targets - 03/05/06 |
Highway authorities are on track to beat national targets for cutting road casualties without taking any new measures, according to research by TRL (Surveyor, 27 April).
In a more positive assessment than last year, TRL concluded that all the government's 2010 road safety targets should be achieved, including a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured.
Only last autumn, TRL was warning that extra measures would be needed to engineer an additional cut of up to 5% in the KSI toll.
Analysis of car accident data suggests that declining standards of driving, including drink-driving, are a factor, since 'loss of control' accidents at bends or cars leaving the carriageway have risen significantly since 1999.
A reduction in deaths in 2004 owed most to a reversal in the lethal trend for motorcyclists. But researchers put this down to a drop in 'sports' motorcycling compared with the fine summer of 2003.
Nevertheless, a greater-than-expected fall in the number of car occupant and pedestrian casualties in 2003 and 2004 might show 'new road safety measures beginning to work'.
TRL forecasts a 59% fall in child KSIs by 2010 - comfortably ahead of the 50% target - and that child deaths will drop by 62% on present trends.
|
|
| > Sutton Council Joins the Army - 31/03/06 |
Sutton Council's Road Safety Unit is joining the Army to help fight the war against rising powered two wheeler casualties. Roy Buchanan, Principal Road Safety Officer and Captain Derek Gregory of 151st Logistic Support Regiment are drawing up their battle plans ever hopeful of victory. The Army have an excellent track record in motorcycle rider training having produced several soldiers who went on to world class status. With teenaged scooterists becoming an increasing worry, the initiative will approach every secondary school in the Borough with an offer to raise awareness of the dangers of being a member of this vulnerable road user group. Linked to every visit will be advice and guidance on how to reduce the danger. Roy Buchanan said "As the son of a Royal Artillery Sergeant I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Army on this one. It is a new angle for us to take and I am optimistic it will produce good results." Details will be placed on this website as soon as they are known. In the meantime if anyone wishes to have chat about this please telephone the Council's Road Safety Unit on 0208 770 6463.l
|
|
| > "Arrive Alive Motorbike" - 31/03/06 |
Surely the objective of any journey is to arrive alive. Regrettably, sometimes it does not happen that way particularly if the journey is on a powered two wheeler. The Driving Standards Agency are tackling this problem head-on with the new addition to their Arrive Alive programme. Launched towards the end of last year by Superbike Champion John Reynolds Arrive Alive Motorbike is aimed at the vulnerability of young riders and uses film footage to drive the message home that the consequences of carelessness can be dire.
The initiative does not take sides in any argument but tries to advise and encourage new riders to do it safely. And who better to listen to than the DSA's expert examiners who are prepared to meet young people at any school, college or club. Not surprizingly the Council's Principal Road Safety Officer has invited the DSA to come to Sutton and arrangements are being made for them to attended as many of our secondary schools. Roy Buchanan said " I would like to hear from any secondary school who would like to have this service. I will be delighted to make the arrangements and be on scene when it is delivered. As a motorcyclist of many years standing I would like young men to share the joy of motorcycling but to live as long as me! The London Borough of Sutton's Road Safety Unit can be contacted by telephone on 0208 770 6463 or e-mail at roy.buchanan@sutton.co.uk
|
|
| > THINK! continues Superbikes sponsorship - 08/03/06 |
The THINK! campaign is to continue its support for the British Superbikes (BSB) Championship and will once again be one of the main sponsors of the 2006 event.
The 2006 Championship comprises 13 races between March and October at locations across the UK.
This will be THINK's third year as 'Official Supporter' of BSB. The deal gives the THINK! motorcycle safety campaign the opportunity to promote its messages at races.
THINK!'s partnership with BikeSafe will also continue, with BikeSafe assessors on hand at events to encourage spectators to sign up to a skills assessment day.
|
|
| > MOTORCYCLES - THE CONGESTION SOLUTION - 03/02/06 |
As the UK road-charging debate rumbles on, the British Motorcyclists Federation has welcomed the statement by London Mayor Ken Livingstone that motorcycles and scooters will remain exempt from London’s congestion charging.
The statement followed a story in London’s Evening Standard reporting on trials being carried out on automatic ‘tag and beacon’ systems for congestion charging whereby fixed beacons would record cars, fitted with an electronic tag, as they entered the charging zone. The RAC Foundation commented that this could mean the end of a dispensation for powered two wheelers (PTWs) as the current camera technology cannot record them, but a tag and beacon system could.
Reacting on the basis that this would be a retrograde step, the BMF, Britain’s largest rider organisation, pointed out that motorcycles and scooters provide the ideal solution for commuters seeking a genuine door-to-door solution. ‘It is not just a matter of avoiding the congestion charge’ said BMF spokesman Jeff Stone, ‘but the only realistic alternative for those seeking personal mobility where public transport does not serve their needs and cycling is not an option’.
The BMF also say out that despite dire warnings of increased accidents, the popularity of motorcycles and scooters has in fact resulted in a significant decrease in the accident rate, a result not only of fewer cars, but a better awareness by riders and drivers of the safety issues. That, coupled to the fact that a PTW of any size takes up far less space than a car and by its nature keeps moving in virtually any traffic situation, means that it is highly efficient as a single-person vehicle.
Commenting on the story, Mayor Ken Livingstone said: 'Both motorcycles and scooters are exempt from the congestion charge as they do not cause congestion. I would like to make it crystal clear that I have absolutely no intention whatsoever of making scooters and motorcycles pay the congestion charge. Despite the increase in numbers of motorbikes and scooters in the zone, there continues to be a decline in the number of accidents involving powered two-wheelers since the introduction of the scheme.’
The BMF welcomes the Mayor’s statement and hopes that this in itself will be a ‘beacon’ to others in the road charging debate. Bikes are part of the traffic solution. They don’t cause congestion – they relieve it, so to deter people by charging them doesn’t make sense say the BMF.
www.bmf.co.uk
|
|
| > Campaign to warn Drivers to take more time to look - 03/02/06 |
The new THINK! motorcycle safety campaign encouraging drivers in an urban environment to "THINK! Take longer to look for bikes", through TV and radio ads was launched on 30 January 2006. At the same time, riders will be reminded how to make sure that they are seen via an outdoor poster campaign.
The first element of the new activity is a 30 second TV advert encouraging urban car drivers to look longer for bikes.
"How close" shows a typical accident at a T-junction. The car driver, coming from a side road, casts a quick glance to the right before pulling out and turning right onto the main road.
Suddenly, a motorbike travelling along the main road crashes into the side of the car, leaving the motorist confused and shocked. 'How close does a biker have to be before you see them?' asks a calm voice.
The scenario is replayed, this time with the car driver looking for longer - first right, left and then right again - while the bike passes harmlessly in front of the car. The end line reads: "THINK! Take longer to look for bikes".
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/motorcycles/media/howclose.mpg
|
|
| > Advanced lessons for 'white van men' - 03/02/06 |
The government is to spend £1.3m on providing advanced driving lessons for some of the UK's 200,000 van drivers - to make them more considerate behind the wheel.
The Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving Scheme will also teach 'white van man' how to reduce fuel consumption by using the right gears and better braking.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling admitted he has been 'driven mad' by white vans, but said the scheme was a good thing for everyone. He added that all motorists could improve their driving.
"If we can persuade the driving population as a whole to drive better you'll get a cleaner, safer, cheaper drive and that must be a good thing."
The scheme will pay for the training of 200 instructors to teach advanced van driving techniques - and will then fund lessons for 3,500 drivers.
The DfT said annual savings of up to £500 in fuel costs per van, and a quarter of a tonne of carbon could be made by using techniques such as a better use of gears, keeping correct distances from the vehicle in front and better road awareness.
Peter Lee from the Transit Van Owners' Club said the idea was welcomed as 'only good can come of that'.
He said it was worrying that people can take their driving test in a smaller vehicle but then buy a van which 'is five, six times bigger than the car you've passed your test in, and you can just jump in and drive away, having no experience of driving a van at all'.
The courses can be accessed through the scheme's website or by phoning 0870 190 8440.
For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk
|
|
| > IHIE meets the minister - 28/11/05 |
IHIE vice president, Anthony Sharp , met Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, last week to discuss improving the road environment for motorcycling to reduce casualties.
"IHIE took up with the minister ways in which his department could give a lead to integrate motorcycling better into transport policy to drive down the accident statistics", said Mr Sharp.
"The Government's motorcycle strategy and IHIE's guidelines, both launched in early 2005, point the way. We now feel there's a need to press on to see some quick wins, such as new transport advisory leaflets to help engineers, and more research on low cost measures to improve the road."
For further information visit: www.ihie.org.uk
|
|
| > TfL receives award for reducing motorcycle casualties - 28/11/05 |
Transport for London today received an award from the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards (PMIRSA) for its innovative work in reducing motorcycle casualties in the Capital.
Over the last few years, TfL has produced a package of initiatives aimed at reducing the high proportion of motorcycle collisions in London. These include BikeSafe London, a series of motorcycle safety publicity campaigns, including television and cinema advertisements, a bus lane access trial and powered two-wheeler exemption from the congestion charge. TfL have also set up a working group, with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, motorcycling organisations and the London Boroughs which has been key to the success.
Peter Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Street Management, said:
'The safety of road users and passengers on our services is of paramount importance to Transport for London. We will continue to make improvements to London's transport system as one life lost on London's roads is one too many. I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of all those who have worked hard to make motorcycling safer in London.'
The award was presented at TfL's headquarters at Windsor House, Victoria Street, by Geoff Sherley, Chief Executive of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA). The official ceremony will take place on Tuesday 7 December 2004 at Savoy Hotel, where Peter Brown, TfL's Chief Operating Officer Streets and Chris Lines, TfL's Head of London Road Safety Unit, will be congratulated by Prince Michael of Kent.
|
|
| > National speed awareness course announced - 13/10/05 |
Delegates at the National Roads Policing Conference in Birmingham last week were told that a national speed awareness course is to be introduced.
Richard Brunstrom, chief constable of North Wales Police and head of ACPO road policing, said: "Speeding remains unacceptable and must be further eliminated if we are to reach the demanding levels for casualty reduction set by the government and required by most citizens.
"This scheme, when we achieve national provision as we have with driver improvement, will allow the police service to divert low-end speeding motorists to education and then if they persist to use fixed penalty and penalty points to force drivers to drive more responsibly and within the speed limits set for our roads."
Police forces will be encouraged to adopt the course and offer it to drivers who are detected speeding in certain limits - but not for those who are speeding by more than 10% or 6mph over any limit.
Courses will meet a national specification and will be provided by local authorities and companies who are members of the Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP). The cost of the course will be borne by the motorist and will be roughly the same as the potential fine. No penalty points will go on the licence.
In a pilot scheme in Lancashire the vast majority of those caught opted to go on the course.
|
|
| > Minister and RoSPA call on drivers to switch off mobiles - 13/10/05 |
A small minority of drivers are continuing to endanger themselves and other road users by using hand-held mobile phones while they are driving, according to new figures released last week by the road safety minister, Stephen Ladyman.
In a recent DfT survey, 1.5% of car drivers and 2.4% of lorry and van drivers were spotted using hand held phones.
Stephen Ladyman said: "Using a mobile phone while you're driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident, and it's a shame that a small minority of drivers are still using hand held phones. The police are on the road looking out for drivers using phones and they do prosecute those they catch.
"The Road Safety Bill currently going through Parliament will mean that in future people using a hand held phone will get a £60 fine and three points on their licence. But I don't want people to be caught and risk losing their licences, I want them to stop using their phones while they drive."
RoSPA described the figures as 'a warning to all fleet bosses to ensure they had clear policies in place to manage the problem'.
Charles Davis , RoSPA head of driver and fleet solutions, said: "It may only be a small percentage but it still means that thousands of drivers are flouting the law and risking killing someone every day.
"With 2.5 million people driving as part of their job, there is a good chance that many of those breaking the law are at work at the time. This is a timely reminder that companies need to have policies in place banning the use of mobiles while driving for work, and checking that those policies are being followed by employees.
"If employers provide a phone they have a responsibility in law to ensure that it is used safely. No mobile while mobile! is the message employers need to be promoting," Mr Davis concluded.
RoSPA has produced a free leaflet for employers needing help with mobile phone policies, which is available at www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/workmobiles.pdf
|
|
| > DIESEL ON DOWNING STREET DOORSTEP – - 04/10/05 |
The KillSpills Rally, Saturday 10th September, London
Despite forecasts of heavy rain, an estimated 2,500 motorcyclists made their presence felt when they brought London’s traffic to a halt, filling the streets with bikes as they took part in a protest ride to Westminster on Saturday as part of the second KillSpills Rally against diesel spills.
Stopping off at Whitehall, organisers handed in a seven page diesel spills report* to 10 Downing Street, along with a giant 1st anniversary card for Prime Minister Tony Blair, signed by the rally participants as a reminder that little had been actioned following the 2004 event.
Designed to raise the profile of the menace that spilt diesel presents to the UK’s 1.2 million motorcycle and scooter riders, the KillSpills Rally attracted over three times the number of participants attending last year.
Assembling at the Ace Cafe London, the riders, escorted by Metropolitan Police motorcyclists and a team of forty KillSpills marshals, followed a seven mile route taking in the famous London landmarks of Park Lane, Buckingham Palace, The Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square and finishing with the bikes parking up along Millbank alongside the Palace of Westminster
Taking part in the convoy was a truck unit from supermarket giant Asda, the winners of the KillSpills/BMF Diesel Spills Reduction Award 2005 for being the most proactive in the fight against diesel spillage on the UK’s roads, extensively briefing their drivers on the danger that diesel spillages present to motorcyclists.
Sponsored by Bennetts Insurance, the engraved crystal award was presented to one of Asda’s drivers, Neil Gargan, himself a biker, who also took part in the ride.
At the House of Commons, riders were greeted by Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Minister, Tom Brake, who despite the frequent showers, listened to the team’s concerns and promised to meet with them in the next few weeks. He also promised to table an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons on the dangers of diesel spills.
Commenting on the day, Stephen Edwards, team leader of the KillSpills organisation said: “This has been a truly amazing day. The numbers attending have proved what we know, but the authorities seem to ignore - that this is a major issue for bikers. We’ve had a lot of support from MPs but passers by and tourists took note too. That’s the name of the game, to raise public awareness and get some action taken.”
For the British Motorcyclists Federation, BMF Chairman Dr Leon Mannings said: “The BMF is not known for direct action, but we’ve raised the issue of spilt diesel so many times with government that it makes sense to ‘ride’ that message home by supporting the KillSpills Rally. Diesel spillage is a real concern and an important safety issue with bikers. I think this time the powers that be will get that message”.
Recommendations from the report delivered to Number 10 include:
1. Warning signs informing diesel users of the dangers of overfilling tanks or failing to refit filler caps correctly to be displayed on diesel pumps, truck depot refuelling points and external vehicle diesel tanks.
2. Amending the Highway Code to highlight the dangers and publicise the penalties of spilling diesel on the public highway.
3. Using the THINK! Campaign to get the diesel spill message across to the public and transport operators, “Think! DIEsel Spills KILL”.
4. Continuing to lobby within Europe for a European-wide resolution of this issue so as to ensure that future generations of commercial vehicles have anti-spill devices fitted as standard.
5. Encouraging Government Departments and Local Authorities to lead by example, ensuring that their drivers are fully briefed about the dangers of overfilling a diesel tank and or not refitting the filler cap correctly.
6. Advising the general public to use 999 to report diesel spills.
7. Issuing guidelines to the emergency services relating to the treatment of diesel
The 140,000 strong British Motorcyclist Federation has long campaigned on the issue of spilt diesel but has backed the KillSpills Rally as a way of bringing the issue to a wider audience.
According to Department for Transport figures, every year some 300 motorcycle accidents are attributed to diesel spillage, but it is well known that if another vehicle is not involved and injuries are slight, an accident goes unreported.
|
|
| > REBELLION SPROUTS IN BRUSSELS AS BMF OPPOSES EU LICENCE DIRECTIVE - 04/10/05 |
In a surprise move, several Euro MPs are set to support motorcyclists in their attempts to force a re-think on draconian new licensing laws for learner riders.
The MEPs’ support followed a demonstration protest ride to Brussels on Saturday. Riders from other European countries joined around three hundred UK motorcyclists taking part in a protest aimed at stopping the introduction of ‘The Third European Community Driving Licence Directive’ - new licencing laws that, say the BMF, would decimate the future of motorcycling.
Having first warned of the Directive’s existence back in February and having already written to all Euro MEPs and Dr Stephen Ladyman, UK Minister of State for Transport, the140,000 strong British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), joined forces with the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and Motor Cycle News (MCN) to get the message home by holding the protest before the Directive receives its Second Reading by the European Parliament’s Council of Ministers on Thursday 6th October.
Commenting, Trevor Magner, the BMF’s Senior Government Relations Executive, said: “This is fantastic news. Motorcycling is often under threat but this latest directive is an ill-founded and discriminatory piece of legislation. Luckily, the MEPs who have contacted us are prepared to stand up to this sort of thing and now we might just get it halted.”
Essentially, as well as introducing yet more bureaucracy, the Third EU Driving Licence Directive will mean that the minimum age for riding motorcycles over 125cc rises from 17 to 19 and the age level for direct access to a larger machine rises from 21 to 24 - all this without any evidence of a safety benefit, say the BMF. Equally, further hurdles in the shape of new categories of motorcycle licences involving two-yearly steps between bikes of different engine sizes and extra riding tests between steps would be introduced, once again, with no identified safety benefits.
The new proposals, due to be introduced in five years time, have completely ignored research say the BMF that showed that the major cause of motorcycle accidents were low-speed collisions in an urban environment - more often than not the fault of the other driver - not the rider. This was just one of the conclusions of the recent two and a half million euro (€2.5 million) ‘Motorcycle Accidents In Depth Study’ (MAIDS), funded by European taxpayers, the motorcycle industry and other bodies, including the BMF.
MAIDS research showed that the three key factors in rider safety are the behaviour of other road users, rider experience and the road environment, but the Directive has ignored these.
Speaking at the Brussels’ demonstration, Dr Leon Mannings, the BMF Chairman, said:
“This directive has no safety benefit. It should join the ‘Bonfire of Directives’ we have all heard so much about. All it will do is produce an overly complex motorcycle licensing process that will be neither understandable nor enforceable and will make motorcycling less accessible to European users. These motorcycling proposals seem more designed to deter people from taking up motorcycling than improving road safety. It’s not what legislation should be about”
The BMF is now going ahead with arranging briefing meetings with supporting MEPs.
|
|
| > Casualties down - but drink drive and cycling buck the trend - 04/10/05 |
The DfT last week published its annual report into road casualties in Great Britain during 2004. The figures showed that overall the number of deaths and serious injuries reduced, but there were increases in drink drive and cycling deaths.
Road Casualties Great Britain: 2004 - Annual Report contains detailed information on the number of people killed and injured on the roads in Great Britain, based on information reported to the police.
The key points in the report are as follows:
· 3,221 people were killed on Britain's roads in 2004 - 8% fewer than in 2003. The number of people seriously injured fell to 31,130, which is also 8% fewer than in 2003. Total casualties in 2004 were 280,840 - 3% fewer than in 2003.
· Five fewer children were killed than in 2003, a fall of 3%. The total number of children killed or seriously injured fell by 5%.
· Provisional estimates indicate that the number of deaths in accidents involving drink driving was 2% higher than in 2003. Final estimates will be available next year. Total casualties in drink drive accidents fell by an estimated 10%.
· Pedestrian casualties fell by 4% and the number of killed or seriously injured pedestrians was down 6%. 12% of all road accident casualties and 21% of those who died in road accidents were pedestrians.
· The number of casualties among users of two wheeled motor vehicles fell by 10% and the number of deaths fell by 16% to 585. Serious injuries fell by 13%. The overall casualty rate per hundred million vehicle kilometres fell by 2%.
· Pedal cyclist casualties fell 2%. The number of cyclists killed or seriously injured fell by 4% overall, but the number of fatalities increased by 18%. Pedal cyclist casualty rates per hundred million vehicle kilometres increased by 14%.
"We are pleased with the overall fall in road casualties but we remain extremely concerned about the increase in drink-drive deaths," said a DfT spokesman. He added that the UK has 'one of the best road safety records in the world'.
However, RoSPA said it was 'shocked to learn that the number of people killed in drink-drive accidents last year was the highest since 1992', and called for the Government to cut the drink-drive limit in an effort to save lives.
RoSPA believes the limit should be cut from 80mg to 50mg - a move that it says could save 65 lives and 230 serious injuries a year. The Society also wants to see the police given wider powers to breath test as it believes people would be less inclined to flout the law if they feared they could be tested anywhere and at anytime.
Kevin Clinton , RoSPA head of road safety, said: "We cannot understand why the Government continues to oppose a reduction in the drink-drive limit when the evidence shows it would save lives. We are shocked by yet another increase in the number of deaths even though there has been a fall in the number of casualties in drink-drive accidents. We fear the situation will continue to get worse unless something is done."
For further information go to http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2005_0096
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
