Safety

3.5.1 Although the safety of individual riders is improving, motorcyclists still represent a high proportion of road casualties in relation to their numbers. Health and safety law requires employers to be responsible for the safety and welfare of all employees, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Employers who encourage motorcycle use for business purposes should have a full and thorough risk assessment in place, which should be reviewed periodically to ensure continued validity.This applies to all occupational road risks.

It is important that employers consider risks to employees on the road in the same way as those within the workplace.

>> Download the RoSPA 'Motorcycling through work' leaflet

3.5.2 Some organisations with Travel Plans in place offer training or financial assistance for training, as an employee incentive to encourage modal shift.

3.5.3 All novice riders must complete CBT. It is important to remember that the skills to operate a car are very different from those required to operate a motorcycle safely and appropriately.

Raising awareness

3.5.4 Publicity and promotion are essential elements of actively encouraging any change in commuter modes. Employers need to understand that once the infrastructure is completed and facilities are in place, their job in implementing the Travel Plan is not finished.

3.5.5 When establishing a Travel Plan it is important to raise awareness of proposed changes and the effects that they may have.

In the case of a shift to motorcycles, rider training is particularly important. Provision of guidance for people new to motorcycling is essential.Where possible, advanced training should be offered to more experienced users. It is important to ensure that anyone using a motorcycle for work purposes is aware of the risk assessment and is informed about the engineering and technical standards that could better protect them.

3.5.6 Training should be to a high standard.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are introducing more questions on the driving theory test designed to raise driver awareness of vulnerable road users including motorcyclists.

The DfT are also raising awareness of motorcycles sharing the road space through their “Think!”website.

This offers useful information and a leaflet called Watch Out for Motorcyclists, available at:

http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/motorcycles/motorcycles01.htm