LONDON, November 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Highways England, the company responsible for running over 4000 miles of England's motorways and major trunk roads, is to become the third partner in a landmark collaboration to improve motorcycle rider safety.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161121/441906 )

The government owned company will join the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) as an equal partner in facilitating practical changes to roads, set out in a jointly written whitepaper: "Realising the Motorcycling Opportunity: A Motorcycle Safety and Transport Policy Framework."

The Framework calls for motorcycles and scooters to be included in mainstream transport policy and for rider safety to be consistently factored into national road design, which has not been the case in the past.

Highways England has a goal of bringing the number of people killed or injured on the strategic road network as close as possible to zero by 2040. It will work with police and MCIA across seven areas identified in the Framework and will lead on 'safer infrastructure'. 

Mike Wilson, Highways England's Chief Highways Engineer, said: 

"Safety is our top priority and we believe no one should be harmed when travelling or working on our road network. We are committed to both reducing the number of motorcycle incidents and casualties on our roads and to improving the experience motorcyclists have on those roads; this influential partnership with the industry and police supports that commitment."

Deputy Chief Constable for North Yorkshire Police, Tim Madgwick, who is the national motorcycle lead for the National Police Chiefs Council says:  

"The Police service is on the front line, dealing with the devastation that is caused to families and the greater community by road traffic collisions.  The opportunity to work with both Highways England and the Motorcycle Industry Association, gives us far greater scope to make our roads a safer place, not only for those who use powered two wheelers, but for all road users.  In addition to the safety aspect, encouraging greater use of motorcycles will also contribute greatly to reducing congestion and therefore journey times across the country.

Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training says working in partnership with HE and NPCC could produce the breakthrough that motorcycle safety deserves: 

"Highways England brings significant resource to this ambitious project; financially and in terms of influence, expertise and evidence-based decision making; add this to police backing and we have an unprecedented opportunity to make a huge difference to riders.

"For too long, motorcyclists have been at the bottom of the pecking order in terms of priority for traffic management and road planners.  Often 'safety advice' is a thinly veiled attempt to keep people off motorbikes and scooters, rather than a genuine attempt to reduce their vulnerability.  It is important to recognise the transport choice of riders and address their needs appropriately.  Ignoring motorcyclists increases their vulnerability."

Practical improvements 

The Framework advocates using guidelines produced by the Institute of Highway Engineers which identify simple practical steps to reduce risks for riders.  These include:

-       Using rider friendly barriers and road surfaces

-       Repositioning pillars

-       Removing unnecessary signage

-       Using non-slip manhole covers

-       Prompt clear up of diesel.

Highways England will also work to promote safety messages and create awareness about motorcycles and scooters.  It has already set up a working party to encourage learners to take further training for a licence and to encourage riders to wear personal protective clothing.

The number of motorcycles and scooters licensed for the roads has nearly doubled in the past twenty years, and government statistics show that there was a further 1.2% increase for quarter 4 (October to December 2015).  With congestion set to rise, it is likely many more people will opt for two wheel transport and Highways England, the National Police Chiefs' Council and the Motorcycle Industry Association believe this choice needs to be properly supported.

The framework will be launched tomorrow evening at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC and will have a parliamentary reception on Wednesday 23^rd November.

The Framework will be live online here http://www.motorcycleframework.co.uk from midday on 22nd November.

SOURCE The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA)