Motorbike deaths see a 36% increase

On average over 3,500 people are killed on British roads each year - the equivalent of 10 every day. However, new findings by leading online motor insurance broker, InsureYourMotor.com show that motorbike riders represent 22% of this figure, even though motorcycles account for only 4% of road traffic. As the weather warms, the roads stay dry and the days get lighter, many people are either reviving their garage-bound motorbikes or seeing this year as the year for them to buy a bike and ride back to their youth! However, what these riders fail to realise in their hast to ‘get out there’ is that without proper training, experience and thorough bike knowledge they are potentially putting their lives and the lives of other road users at risk. Shocking new findings found that: • In 2003 the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured rose by 36% from 90 in 2002 to 122. • Nationally in 2003 around 28,000 riders were killed or injured. • A rider is 35 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than any other class of road user. • The vast majority of motorcycle collisions occur in perfect riding conditions i.e. daylight/dry. • Rider error and excess/inappropriate speed are the most common cause of motorbike accidents. David Harlow, Managing Director of InsureYourMotor.com, comments: “These statistics are very disturbing to all motorists but especially to those who are thinking about jumping on two-wheels this time of year. I urge all riders to take the time out to think about these statistics and be critical of themselves when assessing whether they hold the correct licence to be on the roads and also if their experience and background knowledge is really worthy of being out there with other motorists.” Holding the correct licence to be on the road is one of the major complications when it comes to riding a motorcycle. There are many classes of licence, each enabling you to, and preventing you from riding different machines. Outlined below are the different types: Moped Licence The first, and easiest, way to get on two wheels. Riders must be 16 or over and can apply for a provisional licence. With a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate and a pair of L-plates, they are road worthy. To obtain a full moped licence, riders will need to pass a Motorcycle Theory Test and successfully complete a practical test on a moped. If 17 or over, with a full car licence obtained before Feb 1, 2001, riders are already qualified to ride a moped with pillion, providing the scooter’s wearing L-plates. A1 licence This is perfect for riders who only need a small bike for commuting. Riders need to be 17 or over, have completed the CBT and passed the theory test. There is then a practical test on a on a bike between 75 and 125cc and, if successful, riders are entitled to ride any machine up to an engine size of 125cc or power output of 11kw. A licence (restricted) This is a licence for those who don’t want to jump straight on a big bike, or are aged between 17 and 21. With CBT and theory out of the way, riders complete training and take their test on a learner bike – engine size between 120 and 125cc, capable of more than 100 kph (62mph), and with a power output no greater than 14.6bhp. If successful, riders are entitled to ditch the L-plates and ride any bike up to a 33bhp limit. They can also carry a pillion and use the motorway network. Two years after the test date, the restriction is automatically lifted and riders are free to ride what they want. Direct access Direct access was introduced recently to teach riders over 21 how to handle bigger machines. The route to the licence is the same as the restricted course but, mid-way through the training, riders switch from a 125cc to a bigger bike with a power output of more than 47bhp. Passing the practical examination on a bike of this capacity allows riders to legally ride a bike of any size without L-plates, take a pillion and use motorways. Accelerated access This is for riders with a restricted licence, who can’t wait two years for the 33bhp limit to lift. They can take a course on the larger machine and, with a test pass, legally side step the system. It is clear that age is an important factor in gaining a motorcycle licence, however, experience is not directly reflected in the synopses of gaining a licence. Roger Fortam, from Surrey was glad he found out his facts from some colleagues before he made any bad decisions. Roger explains, “I reached 45 in January and decided that I wanted a new challenge and something more exciting. Some guys who work for me ride and race bikes in the season and were always raving about it. It seemed easy enough to do and I knew I was a good driver, having never crashed a car in 28-years of driving, so I got my licence and thought I’d treat myself. I had a look around a got my heart set on a 1000cc Honda Fireblade. She was beautiful! You can imagine my heartbreak when the guys at work laughed in my face when I told them my vision. These guys knew their bikes and found the idea of me getting my dream bike not only funny but also, on a serious note, very worrying. They warned me off it completely, saying that I wouldn’t be capable of handling a machine like that yet and would unfortunately find out the hard way if I went ahead. After test riding the Fireblade, I knew their advice was sound. I eventually settled on a 600cc Suzuki GSXR, which is still fast and rewarding to ride, but with more manageable power and generally easier to handle if ridden with common sense. I’d hate to think of people like me going out there without the advice I had and making a potentially grave decision just because of their ignorance.” Roger’s case is not unusual by any means. Looking at an even wider angle, the insurance implications for more mature new riders will come as a shock to most after enjoying years of low car premiums and revelling in their many protected years old no claims bonuses. Insuring a motorbike is like being 17 again! Even with a perfect record of driving history, premiums are treated as new and no ‘No Claims Bonus’ (NCB) can be transferred from car to bike. Ironically though, if a rider were to have an accident in his car, the premium on his bike would increase! The same applies to the so-called ‘Born Again Bikers’. Even if they had several years NCB while they were riding, but had to cancel the policy when they took a break, the NCB would have been forfeited and their premium would have increased considerably. If you shop around there are good deals for bikers with high performance machines and for those who want to ride again without the divorce papers being thrust in their face because their hobby is breaking the family bank!

Date - 25/03/2004