Motorcyclists face ‘unacceptable level of risk on London’s roads
Motorcycles account for just one per cent of journeys made in London, yet 27 per cent of people killed or seriously injured on London’s roads are motorcyclists.
The London Assembly Transport Committee report ‘Motorcycle Safety in London: Update report’ is published today.
It reveals:
Motorcyclists face an unacceptable level of risk on London’s roads
The rate at which motorcyclists are injured in road traffic collisions is disproportionately high
Motorcyclist casualties in London have not fallen since TfL published its Motorcycle Safety Action Plan in 2014
The Plan is now outdated and needs to be renewed with new safety measures.
The condition of the road surface is crucial for safe riding
The Transport Committee report recommends the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL):
Get serious about ensuring motorcyclists can ride in all bus lanes
Update the Motorcycle Safety Action
Reinstate plans to develop a ‘London Standard’ or an equivalent measure for motorcycle safety training
Allay concerns about reductions in TfL’s road maintenance budget
Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee said;
“Motorcycles are an efficient form of transportation which can cut congestion - and motorcyclists shouldn’t be dicing with death every time they take to London’s streets.
In 2016 this Committee published a report outlining its concerns about the safety of motorcyclists. It’s clear from the evidence we have recently heard that riding a motorcycle in London is no safer than it was two years ago. Why is that the case?
TfL has failed to implement key recommendations made by the Transport Committee and we are also disappointed to see the Mayor change his previous proposal to improve safety training. The landmark commitment to a ‘London Standard’ for training needs to be reinstated and a more proactive approach is needed from boroughs to give motorcyclists access to bus lanes.
How many more motorcyclists need to die for TfL to sit up, take notice and do something?”