Motorcycle-loving former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has urged fellow bikers to use technology which could boost their chances of survival if they suffer a crash. Last year 343 motorcyclists were killed on Britain’s roads – a 9% jump which has fuelled safety concerns for the country’s 3.2 million bike riders. In contrast 85 pedal cyclists died in a 2% decrease on the previous year.
Bikers are being encouraged to use an app which sends automatic crash notifications straight to emergency services. It is hoped this will cut the time it takes for riders – who are often flung from the bikes – to be located.
Between 2019 and 2023, an average of six motorcyclists died and 102 were seriously injured every week, with 67% of fatalities on rural roads.
Sir Iain said: “The Government must do more to help protect all road users, especially motorcyclists. Utilising potentially lifesaving technology is a practical measure that will enhance the chances of survival for road traffic collisions.
“There are also steps motorcyclists can take, such as wearing an air vest, something I use, which is not intrusive and can provide life-saving support. In addition, there’s a pressing need to crack down on illegal e-scooters, which are often ridden dangerously by unlicensed delivery individuals, too often unchecked by companies, and contribute to a growing number of accidents.”
Steven Robertson of Realsafe Technologies – the company behind the RealRider crash detection app – said: “The status quo of increasing motorcyclist deaths must not continue. We have the technology to minimise deaths on our roads.
“The Government must look to support all avenues that will reduce casualty rates. I refuse to believe that they want to stand idly by as preventable deaths increase.”
It is pressing the Government to support it an insurance or warranty requirement to have a crash notification service.
Men are radically more likely to be injured on motorcycles than women. In the 2019 to 2023 period, 92% of casualties were male.
Craig Carey-Clinch, executive director of the National Motorcyclists Council said; “The NMC are supportive of the development of such app systems, which can only be positive for motorcycle safety.”
