7.9.1 There is a tremendous amount of interest in motorcycle safety around the country so it is important to combine resources to achieve effective and efficient campaigns. Any organisation contemplating a campaign would benefit by checking with LARSOA to see what has, or has not,worked and who else regionally or nationally may be able to offer collaboration or advice.

Potential partners include

Department for Transport (DfT), Highways Agency (HA), local safety camera or casualty reduction partnerships, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) via its BikeSafe scheme, Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), British Motorcyclists’ Federation (BMF), Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA), the Institute of Road Safety Officers (IRSO), regional groups of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), insurance companies and, in the London area, Transport for London (TfL).

Wider outlook

7.9.2 Leisure riding is not constrained by local authority boundaries, nor is long distance commuting, and many accidents involve riders who do not live locally. Individual local authorities and other interested groups could still promote their own local themes but would gain additional benefit from being set within the context of overarching activities.

Driver/Rider improvement schemes

7.9.3 Several police forces have introduced Rider Improvement Schemes in which riders who break road traffic law are offered the opportunity to attend a training course instead of facing prosecution.

The Association of National Driver Improvement Scheme Providers (ANDISP) has full details of schemes.

7.9.4.1 One of the first Driver Information programmes to be developed by the Highways Agency under its ‘Customers First Strategy’ was a DVD for motorcyclists, “Great Roads Great Rides”. Launched at the British Super Bike race meeting at Oulton Parkin July 2006, it features Tommy Hill from the Virgin Mobile Race Team and backed by the THINK! road safety campaign's Academy, the Driving Standards Agency and police motorcycle instructors.

The DVD has 14 chapters covering everything from group riding to reading the road; from the science behind the bike to what to do if you’re first to arrive at an accident. By working with industry, the emergency services and road safety stakeholders across government, production costs were significantly reduced, enabling significant numbers of the DVD to be produced and distributed. To date over 250,000 copies have been distributed to riders at events, shows and through the Bike press. In addition BikeSafe and the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists both use sections of the DVD in their motorcycle training programmes.

To get hold of a copy, visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/11526.aspx

Campaigns focusing on Diesel Spills

7.9.5.1 Diesel spills create a hazard for all road users but especially cyclists and motorcyclists. The contamination of the highway by Diesel can also cause significant damage to the fabric of the carriageway requiring that surfaces be replaced before their design life would normally be reached.

A 'grass roots' campaign organised by riders, 'KillSpills', has sought to raise awareness of the problem with Central and Local Government, riders and, most importantly, the freight transport industry. Through a series of high profile rider events, recognition of those seeking to reduce the incidence of diesel spills and publicity materials, the group hopes to reduce the danger of such spills to riders.

7.9.6.1 As part of its HGV safety information campaign www.heavygoodvehicle.com the Highways Agency is working in partnership with a number of organisations to distribute 180,000 anti diesel-spill stickers across industry and the public sector. The stickers are designed to be placed next to the fuel cap of commercial vehicles to raise awareness of the dangers of over-filling tanks.