Motorcycle brands have never invested more in the safety systems on their products. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, cornering IMU setups, better tyres, radar-assisted cruise control and collision warning systems, improved lighting – they’ve tried it all. Clothing and accessory manufacturers are also innovating, with better airbag systems, improved armour, better helmet designs and tougher materials.
But bikers continue to die in increasing numbers despite all that. The final reported road casualty figures for 2024 from the Department for Transport show that, despite a small 1% drop in overall road fatalities to 1602, and a similar decline in KSI (killed or seriously injured) casualties to 29,467, motorcycle deaths rose by 8%, to 340 from 315. Serious injuries amongst bikers remained static at 5468. On the upside, over a longer-term view, motorcycling safety has improved massively over the past 20 years: overall casualties are down by 34% since 2004, with 38% fewer deaths, on a casualties-per-mile basis.
Road safety charity IAM Roadsmart says that the overall situation for road safety in the UK is static, with biker deaths continuing to be a concern. Director of policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “Unfortunately, these figures demonstrate a troubling lack of progress in bringing down fatal and serious injuries on our road network. So much so that Great Britain has slipped down the international comparison table, ranking fourth, down from third in 2023.
“Of real concern is the significant 8% increase in motorcycle fatalities, which shows the need for more protection of some of the most vulnerable road users, while an increase in motorway fatalities is also alarming. We look forward to seeing the government’s refreshed road safety strategy, which needs to show some serious ambition in bringing down the number of fatal and serious collisions.”
Potholes are killing the industry’s customers
BDN shares IAM Roadsmart’s concern about the increase in biker deaths on the roads. IAM director of policy Nicholas Lyes suggests there should be more protection for vulnerable road users and “looks forward to seeing the government’s refreshed road safety strategy”.
While Mr Lyes is waiting for said strategy, he could do no better than to find out why last year’s road deaths increased by 8%. As I said in a letter published in last month’s BDN, the shocking condition of B-class roads and rural lanes, where more than 60% of motorcycle miles take place, is almost certainly a cause of increasing biker deaths and accidents. I went on to say that proof in the form of statistics are needed and that they are available from the UK’s 48 or so regional police forces, which attend all serious road accidents and keep detailed records of the causes.
I would suggest that IAM Roadsmart, the MCIA and the NMC put their heads together, talk with the police and then collate the statistics. Almost certainly, they will prove that potholes are killing the industry’s customers.
Colin Mayo, publisher, BDN