Seminar addresses motorcycling challenge in Essex
In response to a significant increase in motorcycling casualties over the past six years - and a steep rise in fatalities in the past 12 months - the Essex County Council road safety team staged a seminar in late May to debate this worrying trend.

In the Essex area - which includes the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock - annual motorcycle casualties have risen from 577 in 1996 to 779 in 2001, and fatalities have risen from 16 to 24 in the past 12 months. These figures have naturally caused consternation among motorcyclists, road safety agencies and all organisations involved in the promotion of motorcycling.

The seminar, held in Chelmsford, attracted an invited audience of 95 delegates from a wide range of interested organisations - all of whom either are in a position to influence motorcyclists or are keen to find ways to improve their safety and reduce casualties. It was chaired by RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, Kevin Clinton.

"Motorcycle related accidents have been rising dramatically," Councillor Norman Hume, deputy to the cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, told the audience. "Mopeds and motorcycles offer an affordable alternative means of transport and the county council - in recognising the vulnerability of riders - is looking at ways to improve their safety. We are keen to consult with motorcycle users to explore what we can do together to reduce accidents."

The programme covered a number of elements including the county council’s Powered Two Wheeler Strategy, which deals with moped and motorcycle riders and others with motor cycle interests. It also included a look at the national picture (including the Government’s road safety strategy), the specific accident problem in Essex, the motorcyclists’ perspective and a summary of current initiatives to address this challenge.

"There were a number of points raised during the seminar but the one made most consistently was the important role that the motor cycle dealer has to play in addressing this problem," said Katie Brimley from Essex County Council’s road safety team. "Time and again delegates stressed the need for road safety education at the point of motor cycle purchase. There was consensus about the need to educate vehicle drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists and there was also support for the re-introduction of police motorcyclists."

In addition to the seminar, Essex County Council attended the annual BMF
(British Motorcyclists’ Federation) show at the East of England Showground on 18 and 19 May. Supported by Essex Police and authorities in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Essex took its Responsible Rider campaign to the 88,500 bikers from across the country that attended the event.

Further information about the seminar can be obtained from Katie Brimley on 01245 437781, or at katie.brimley@essexcc.gov.uk.