E-Scooters
See government reports. They are unnecessary, and the most hazardous form of urban travel by a margin, average age of rider is 16 years. E-Cycles are at least 3 times safer, have a smaller carbon footprint, and can carry shopping safely in panniers.
12 riders died in 2022, at least 400 serious injuries accepted as probably significantly understated.
Young Motorcycle Riders
40% (2022) of fatalities <16 years are underage. Others probably don’t have a licence. Youngest 11.
They can move from a 50cc automatic limited to 28 mph, at 17, to a 125cc geared bike capable of up to 70 mph, with no extra training. Out they go onto A roads and into the countryside at > twice the speed, where many are killed or injured.
The death toll rises sharply peaking then falling back at 24 years old.
125cc bikes are also not required to have anti-lock brakes, whereas now all larger capacity bikes have. As everyone learns on a 125 this is represents a very high unnecessary risk of falls under braking, which is far more likely when learning.
Motorcycle Training
There is no course to become a motorcycle learner trainer, just a 2-day test. In contrast, it takes around 40 days of training to qualify to teach in Further Education, ‘basket weaving’ etc at night school.
There is however a short one/two week DVSA training course for post test trainers, as well at 4 tests coving riding ability, training ability, hazard awareness and thery.
However, currently there appears to be no law against anyone training motorcyclists commercially on the road without a DVSA trainer’s licence, whereas there is for cars etc.
Consequently some ‘advanced training’ is unqualified, putting riders at risk. (The IAM and RoSPA are charities overseen by the DVSA).
In summary, PTW riders are far more of a risk to themselves than anyone, could be far better trained, with the young and their parents apparently particularly unaware of the risks.
Riders are not often trained and not tested in high speed braking. Consequently 50% can’t meet Highway Code stopping distances from 60 mph, and up to half simply skid and fall in an emergency – from research. This is critical as most speed is lost at the end of braking – it’s a ‘square law’. Probably causes over 100 deaths/year, and over 1,000 serious life changing injuries.
The DVSA advice looks wrong with the brake application in the wrong order – should be rear first as your foot’s already on it.
British Superbike School 