Wide spectrum

2.4.1 It is essential that the safety and security needs of all motorcycle riders are met and not just those of organised rider groups.

The two main rider organisations, the British Motorcyclists’ Federation (BMF) and Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) are well respected and organised, but their membership does not necessarily represent a true cross-section of all riders, despite their best endeavours.

The range of motorcycles available and the use to which they are put is very wide indeed - from restricted mopeds and scooters used as fashionable, basic, transport, through commuting and at-work use, to leisure riding and touring. Even this last category covers everything from classic machines to sports bikes - all requiring different riding styles and used by riders with different attitudes and behaviour.

A full understanding of the needs of diverse users is necessary in order to provide a safer riding environment.

Rider forums

2.4.2 Local authorities may find it useful to establish a motorcycle forum in order to facilitate information gathering to help identify motorcyclists’ needs. Authorities with experience in this field include; Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council,Devon County Council, Bedfordshire County Council and Cornwall County Council (see example below).

The forum should be as representative as possible of riders in the community or those who use the area’s roads, as well as including appropriate officers, representing road safety engineering, road safety education, the police, tourism and economic development.Other bodies that may be able to help include regional groups of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - they are not only concerned with car driving - and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). It is advisable to supplement a forum by other methods of gathering views in order to ensure that a wide variety of users are consulted.

Examples of other methods are: