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TfL launches bid to halt rising scooter casualties

A scooter rider is killed or seriously injured every day on London's roads - and scooterists make up almost half of all motorcycle casualties in the capital.

To help tackle the problem, the BikeSafe-London scheme is being extended to provide skills days for riders of smaller capacity machines.  

BikeSafe, a partnership between Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police, is targeted mainly at riders of larger motorcycles.  

ScooterSafe will target riders of machines under 250cc, and will be tailored towards riding on city roads. It will be further customised to address the needs of riders aged under 20, and for those over 20 who may ride for different reasons.

Chris Lines, head of the London Road Safety Unit at TfL, said: "Although the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in London has fallen by almost 10% in the past five years, there is still a long way to go.

"Bikes under 125cc are involved in almost half of all motorcycle collisions and ScooterSafe will help riders develop skills to cope with riding in the city."

ScooterSafe will also involve a separate course to tackle the link between anti-social behaviour and scooters. The course, for 16-19 year olds, will encourage them to ride legally, take responsibility for their actions, and dissuade them from riding mini motos or GoPeds. The course will be run in association with youth clubs and motor projects with referrals from youth offending teams, RSOs and safer neighbourhood teams.

For further information go to: www.scootersafe-london.co.uk.