The London Assembly Transport Committee says motorcyclists in the Capital face ‘an unacceptable level of risk’, adding that riders shouldn’t be ‘dicing with death’ every time they take to the roads.
Statistics show that just 1% of journeys made in London are by motorcycle, yet riders account for 27% of the people killed or seriously injured on the Capital’s roads.
In a new report published on 15 March, the committee says TfL’s Motorcycle Safety Action Plan – developed in 2014 – is now outdated and needs to be renewed with new safety measures.
The report concludes that the mayor of London and TfL should consider reinstating plans to develop a ‘London Standard’ for motorcycle safety training – which was omitted from the mayor’s draft Transport Strategy published in February.
The report raises concerns over reductions in TfL’s road maintenance budget, suggesting that motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to poor road surface conditions. It also calls for motorcyclists to be allowed to ride in all bus lanes.
On a positive note, the report describes TfL’s Urban Motorcycle Design Handbook as a ‘major step forward for motorcycle safety’ – adding that it is important the guidance set out in the book is followed.
Keith Prince AM, chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said:
“Motorcycles are an efficient form of transportation which can cut congestion – and motorcyclists shouldn’t be dicing with death every time they take to London’s streets.
“In 2016 this Committee published a report outlining its concerns about the safety of motorcyclists. It’s clear from the evidence we have recently heard that riding a motorcycle in London is no safer than it was two years ago. Why is that the case?
“TfL has failed to implement key recommendations made by the Transport Committee and we are also disappointed to see the mayor change his previous proposal to improve safety training. The landmark commitment to a ‘London Standard’ for training needs to be reinstated and a more proactive approach is needed from boroughs to give motorcyclists access to bus lanes.
“How many more motorcyclists need to die for TfL to sit up, take notice and do something?”
19 March 2018