Poots encourages motorcyclists to bike safely

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has appealed to motorcyclists to take care on the roads and share their experiences to help other bikers.

The Minister made his comments while attending a Bikesafe event held in Lisburn today. Bikesafe is an initiative run by police forces across the United Kingdom aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle related casualties. It is based on professional riding techniques and is designed to enhance the skills of riders who have already passed their tests.

The Minister said: “Biking can be a great experience, but ridden inappropriately a motorcycle becomes a lethal weapon. Bikers have a responsibility to ride their bikes in a proper and safe manner. This initiative can show bikers how best to equip themselves against the dangers they face on the roads. Such initiatives benefit society by helping to prevent road casualties,

With drivers of other vehicles causing half of all crashes where bikers are killed or seriously injured, the Minister also said: “Any biker will tell you that many drivers seem to be oblivious to the presence of motorcycles on the road. Research shows that drivers perceive motorcyclists as the phantoms of the road. They see the machine, not the person. Drivers need to look out for motorbikes when overtaking, when they are at junctions, at roundabouts or when emerging onto a main road. A bike is three times harder to see, so extra effort and a greater level of awareness is needed. "

Although motorcycles represent around 3% of licensed vehicles in Northern Ireland, motorcyclists account for 14% of all road deaths. Last year 15 motorcyclists were killed and 442 of them injured, 123 of them seriously. So far this year, 14 riders have lost their lives.

Bikesafe coordinator Constable Bill Holden added: “Motorcycling is enjoyable, but it is also demanding, so riders must ensure they are fully able to handle their machines.

“In particular, people who were keen bikers in their youth and who return to motorcycling after a long period as car drivers must realise that motorcycles may be bigger and more powerful than those they once used.

“Even for seasoned bikers, it’s worth participating in our Bikesafe initiative. Bikers go on an assessed run with police advanced motorcyclists who will give them advice on how to become a safer and more competent rider and highlight some of the most common causes of collisions. These are not a substitute for formal lessons, but bikers could pick up on simple, straightforward tips to help keep them safer on the roads.

“While motorcycling gives an extremely high level of pleasure, it is still a vulnerable activity and comes with great responsibility. Think of your quality of life and how easily it could be destroyed, not to mention the people around you that need you to come home safely.”

Everyone taking part in today’s event, held at Phillip McCallen Motorcycles in Lisburn, also has the opportunity 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 to help it consider new ways to tackle the number of motorcycling casualties in Northern Ireland.

Notes to Editors:

1. Principal Consultant for the research team is Séamus Mullen from Straightforward Research and Development who can be contacted on 07796 957987

2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office 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