David Jamieson, parliamentary under secretary of state for transport, has unveiled plans for the first National Motorcycle Strategy. The strategy was launched at a meeting of the National Motorcycle Council on 22nd February.
The strategy recognises that an increasing number of people are turning to motorcycles and scooters in order to beat congestion as well as riding bikes for enjoyment and recreation. It is the result of five year’s work between government and the motorcycling community and takes account of the recommendations made to Government by the Advisory Group on Motorcycling.
The Strategy's core aims are to ensure:
· motorcycling is recognised as a mainstream mode of transport
· transport planning and infrastructure decisions fully take motorcycling into account
· motorcycle design continues to improve
· the attitudes and behaviour of both drivers and motorcyclists is focused on looking out for each other
· pre-test and post-test training continues to improve, making it attractive to riders
· the motorcycle test is reviewed, including a review of the delivery of the Direct Access Scheme
Mr Jamieson said "This is the first national motorcycling strategy and clearly demonstrates the Government's commitment to addressing the concerns of bikers, ensuring that the needs of motorcyclists are fully considered when making future decisions.”
"For the first time we have a framework of actions to be pursued over the next few years. Working together with the government, the motorcycle industry and motorcycle user groups can help to ensure that motorcycling becomes fully recognised and catered for as a means of transport on our roads."
Craig Carey-Clinch, Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) Director of Public Affairs added:
"The industry is delighted to welcome this extremely important step in motorcycle policy development. Now that National Motorcycle Strategy is in place, we can move forward and further develop policies which can improve safety, access and security for motorcycle users."
Frank Finch, motorcycle director of the Retail Motor Industry Federation said it signals the government's commitment to properly integrate motorcycling within UK transport policy "The strategy has received widespread support from motorcycle retailers, rider trainers, rider groups, and UK motorcycle manufacturers. All of these groups worked together leading up to the launch of the strategy, and the RMI will continue to be a key player in ensuring that the strategy is delivered," he promised.
"The delivery mechanism is the next important hurdle. Plans are already in place to ensure that government and the motorcycling community work closely together to fulfil their respective pledges," he said.
The full publication “The Government’s Motorcycling Strategy” can be found on the Department’s website at http://www.dft.gov.uk
Footnote: The Advisory Group on Motorcycling’s membership included the motorcycle industry, retailers, user groups, motoring associations, local government and the police. They submitted a report to Government in August 2004. The report contained 16 suggestions and 38 recommendations. These were made in the context of detailed advice to Government on safety, vehicle design, integration and traffic management, environmental and fiscal issues, statistics and research.
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), but doing the "Cliffe Notes" thing and flicking through the action points, it really does look like HM Gov't have put something useful together. There are time targets for implimentation, who is supposed to be working on them... it really does look well thought out and there is obvious input from the motorcycle groups.
Originally Posted by Hitcher
see god then brake... kevin schwantz
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