The MCIA have commented on the reduction of motorcycle fatalities in the DfT Transport Statistics Bulletin: Road Casualties in Great Britain - Main Results 2008.
They say:-
"493 motorcyclists were killed in 2008, the lowest number since 1996 (when 440 riders were killed) and just 26 more than the 1994-98 average of 467, the official Government baseline for road safety targets. Over the same period motorcycle use has increased over 44 per cent. These results show that mile-for-mile, motorcycling is becoming safer. "
"The reduction of 16 per cent in the number of motorcycle fatalities is a greater reduction than for road users as a whole, where fatalities for all road users have fallen just 14 per cent. The number of riders killed or seriously injured is down 10 percent on 2007, and the total number of motorcycle casualties is 8 per cent lower than in 2007."
So some positive biking news at last, though obviously 493 deaths is still 493 to many, but a 16% reduction should be applauded for all concerned who work tirelessly on improving motorcycle safety.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/