TRL (Transport Research Foundation) is running an experimental study on behalf of the Department for Transport into the effects of allowing motorcycles to use Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs)- at present only bicycles are permitted to use them.

According to reports, the experimental research will include a three day video survey, beginning in September, aimed at which will monitoring the interactions between cyclists and motorcyclists at existing ASL sites. Sources reveal that the study will also take into account how the ASL space is currently used and respected by other road users.

Initially, the project will involve having the sites modified after which they will be left to run under the new experimental condition for 2-3 months. The stipulated period of 2-3 months will be used by traffic to learn the new layout in readiness for another three day video survey. The experimental move by TRL will also feature comparative analysis which will be conducted in order to determine how the modifications have affected travel behaviour and safety.

But this new study by TRL only comes days after the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) announced that they had teamed up with leading bike insurance companies to offer riders who qualify under the ‘Enhanced Rider Scheme’ cheaper insurance premiums in a move aimed at encouraging road safety.

A national network of DSA Registered Post test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT) has already been set up to deliver rider skills assessments and training to those keen on taking part in the Enhanced Rider Scheme. DSA says that the ERS scheme is a newly introduced training package aimed at meeting the Government Motorcycling Strategy and was launched to ensure reduced numbers of fatal and serious injury road accidents caused by motorcyclists each year.

However, the research by TRL is expected to survey 12 ASL sites across the country with a variety of different characteristics. Early this month, Police in Melton  launched a crackdown on mini-motorbike riders who are causing safety concerns in the area after they received numerous complaints from locals who alleged that the mini motorbikes were being driven across roads and pavements in residential areas.

But accidents involving motorbikes are increasingly becoming common and sources in the market say that motorcycle riders are now 40 times more likely to be killed than car drivers or passengers.  Previous surveys conducted have also indicated that a person is more likely to be killed on a motorbike than any other means of transport. 

Figures show that in 2004 over 500 people were killed in road accidents and more than 6000 were seriously injured. Although these statistics appear alarming, they are based on facts and show that the issue of road safety for motorbike riders and other road users is an issue of concern. 

However, the various safety incentives currently on offer for bikers mean that motorbike riders need to ensure that in addition to taking out bike insurance, road safety practice is still important  especially because 80% of motorcycle accidents are reportedly caused by the negligence of another.