Views sought from motorcyclists into roads safety issues

Motorcyclists across Northern Ireland were today invited to participate in research into the main causes and influencing factors contributing to motorcycle collisions.

This research will allow motorcyclists to input directly into the development of a new road safety strategy due for publication before the end of 2010.

The groundbreaking research has been commissioned by the Department of the Environment (DOE) to help it consider new ways to tackle the number of motorcycling casualties in Northern Ireland.

According to the most recent figures:

· The number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in 2007 was 153, an increase of 47% on the 1996-2000 average

· Motorcyclists accounted for 6% of all those killed or seriously injured over the period 1996-2000. In 2007 this had risen to 13%;

· The number of motorcyclists slightly injured in 2007 was 297, an increase of 37% on the 1996-2000 average and an increase of 11% from the 2006 figure.

Motorcyclists can log onto the motorcycle survey   to complete a short survey which looks at rider attitudes, experience and behaviour on the roads.

Notes to Editors:

1. The DOE is responsible for the development and coordination of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy.

2. The current Road Safety Strategy (2002-12) was published in November 2002 and established road safety objectives over a ten year period. It set the following casualty reduction targets for 2012:

· a 33% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on NI’s roads each year from the 1996-2000 average; and

a 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured from the 1996-2000 average.

In 2008, achievements against these targets were 37% and 59% respectively.

3. Principal Consultant for the research team is Séamus Mullen from Straightforward Research and Development who can be contacted on 07796 957987 or by e-mail

4. All media inquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.