Skip to main content

TfL under pressure as motorcycle deaths rise

According to a recent report by the London Assembly Transport Committee report into motorcycle safety, Easy Rider: Improving motorcycle safety on London roads, around 17 per cent of those injured on London’s roads and 24 per cent of serious casualties are motorcyclists, despite this mode accounting for one percent of traffic. After a period of decline it appears the number of motorcyclist casualties in London is growing again. In 2010, 4,337 motorcyclists were injured on London’s roads. By 2014, this had gr
March 8, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
According to a recent report by the London Assembly Transport Committee report into motorcycle safety, Easy Rider: Improving motorcycle safety on London roads, around 17 per cent of those injured on London’s roads and 24 per cent of serious casualties are motorcyclists, despite this mode accounting for one percent of traffic. After a period of decline it appears the number of motorcyclist casualties in London is growing again. In 2010, 4,337 motorcyclists were injured on London’s roads. By 2014, this had grown to 5,233, an increase of 21 per cent.

Its findings include: The inconsistency across London in access to bus lanes for motorcyclists causes unnecessary confusion. TfL allows motorcyclists to ride in bus lanes on the roads it manages, but many boroughs restrict access on their own roads. A more proactive strategy is required from TfL to help ensure a common approach across the city.

Close monitoring of Cycle Superhighway roads is necessary to assess the impact on safety for other vulnerable road users, particularly the reduction in road space for other traffic.

The BikeSafe scheme from TfL and the Metropolitan Police appears to be effective at increasing safety awareness but we must encourage participation of young riders.

A better understanding of why motorcyclist casualties occur is needed. Information could be improved through the application of new technology by the MPS, and additional information from the NHS.

Valerie Shawcross CBE AM, chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee said, “There are three types of vulnerable road user in the Capital - cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.  During my time on the Transport Committee we have spent a great deal of time and effort ensuring TfL considers the needs of cyclists and pedestrians - now it is time for them to pay more attention to the safety of motorcyclists.  It’s no coincidence that TfL rushed out a PR release the day before our report was published – they know they’ve not done enough to protect motorcyclists in London.  I hope our investigation prompts them to act.

“Powered two-wheelers can be the congestion-buster of the future. More and more deliveries could be made by motorbike and electrified motorcycles will have a big impact on pollution levels. We have to ensure there is space for all modes of transport on London’s roads and we have to ensure that every road user can get from A to B as safely as possible.”
UTC

Related Content

  • August 27, 2014
    Siemens awarded TfL maintenance contracts
    Siemens is to maintain traffic control equipment in the north and north-east London regions under two new traffic control maintenance services contracts awarded by Transport for London (TfL). The contracts represent two of the five contracts that will see London’s traffic signals upgraded to the latest energy-saving technology, as well as expanding the use of intelligent traffic signals and new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Worth in total around US$525 million for up to eight years, the five co
  • July 20, 2015
    New report indicates reduction in London’s pollution
    A new report, produced by experts at King's College London, for the first time quantifies the health and economic effects of the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2), where all previous studies have focused on particulate matter (PM2.5). Combined together the effects of both pollutants reveal a higher health impact than previously estimated after taking into account this further pollutant. The study also found that nearly half the health impacts are caused by air pollution outside London such as diesel
  • December 19, 2012
    TfL allocates funds to improve London’s traffic
    Transport for London (TfL) has allocated more than US$240 million transportation projects in London, aimed at improving traffic flow and making both walking and cycling safer. The funding has been allocated through the Local Implementation Plan (LIP), allowing the money to be spent on projects that support the Mayor's Transport Strategy. "This funding will benefit all of London and everyone living in, working in or visiting the capital," London Mayor Boris Johnson said. "A world class city deserves a world
  • April 8, 2016
    European Bus Forum to show developments in European bus operations
    Returning to Manchester in June 2016, the European Bus Forum is coming back to show the new faces, changes and developments to bus operations across Europe and the UK. Produced by the urban transport publication, Eurotransport and hosted by Transport for Greater Manchester, the one day conference and gala dinner will once again prove to be an unrivalled event for collaboration and high-standard networking. Improving vehicle safety is a key strategy used in addressing international and national road ca