More than 150 industry professionals descended on the National Motorcycle Museum yesterday (13 February), for a one-day conference designed to help tackle motorcycle crashes.
Hosted by Road Safety GB with support from the DfT, the event set out to motivate, inspire and equip attendees to take action on rider safety.
The day kicked-off with a keynote video address from Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for the future of roads, in which she stressed the Government’s commitment to improving motorcycle safety – and to publishing the first road safety strategy in more than a decade.
Lilian Greenwood said: “Motorcyclists face significant risks: between 2019 and 2023, an average of six motorcyclists died and 102 were seriously injured every week.
“[The Government is] determined to turn the tide. That’s why we are developing and publishing the first road safety strategy in over a decade.
“The Government is considering plans to review existing requirements for motorcycle training, testing and licencing. This will incorporate long-standing DfT and DVSA plans, alongside fresh proposals from the sector.
“Real progress can only happen if we work together.”
The opening session also included presentations from Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly OBE, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) lead for motorcycles, and Billy Fenwick, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) lead for powered two wheelers.
This was followed by a session on the gig economy which included presentations by professor Nicola Christie (UCL) and Hannah Cords von Lewis of Menar (TfL),
The focus then turned to academic research with four presentations by: Tanya Fosdick (Agilysis) and Dr Elizabeth Box (ECM Research Solutions); Professor Alex Stedmon (Open Road Simulation); Professor David Crundall (Nottingham Trent University); and Professor Mathew Humphreys (University of Nottingham) and Colin Brown (MAG).
Before lunch, Road Safety GB presented an Achievement Award to Karen Cole, recognising her long-standing commitment to road safety, and in particular PTW safety.
The afternoon featured a deep-dive into interventions and other activities being carried out by a variety of stakeholders to improve motorcyclists’ safety.
Speakers included: Ruth Purdie OBE (UKROEd and The Road Safety Trust); Chief Superintendent Marc Clothier (Sussex Police and NRPOII); Heidi Duffy MBE (New Rider Hub) and Fay Cannon (Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership); Ian Harvey (Devon and Cornwall Police); Craig Carey Clinch (National Motorcyclists Council); Tim Parry (Claremont); Phil Martin (TRL); Steve Bucksey (Sussex and Surrey Police); Steve Rose (Bennetts Bike Social); Claire Harris (Kent Fire and Rescue Service); and Saul Jeavons (TranSafe Network).
The day concluded with a lively Question Time session, expertly chaired by Steve Gooding, Executive Director of the RAC Foundation.
Among the key themes to emerge from the day were the importance of collaboration and partnership working between stakeholders, the challenge of engaging with young riders, and the difficulties in getting safety information to all riders, irrespective of the machine they ride and their age or experience.
The event was very well received by attendees, one of whom said: “I just wanted to say a very big thank you for the invitation to a great event yesterday.
Another said: “Thank you for a really interesting, useful and insightful conference. I took a lot from the day.”
A third attendee added: “I really enjoyed the conference which was excellently presented and facilitated.”
The conference was organised on behalf of road safety GB by the team at Stennik, who organise the National Road Safety Conference. For more information about the PTW conference contact Nick Rawlings by email.
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