Warwickshire Police

MOTORCYCLING FACTS

motorcycling imageMotorcycling is a legitimate means of travel.
Nationally, motorcycles and scooters represent around 1% of all vehicular traffic (DfT).

Motorcycle riders and pillion passengers typically account for around 20% of all fatal or seriously injured road casualties recorded in Warwickshire each year (Force Results).

In 2006 7 motorcyclists were killed and a further 68 seriously injured on Warwickshire’s roads, representing 19% of all killed or seriously injured casualties in the County.

Motorcycle casualties in Warwickshire can be split into 2 key groups:

  • 16-19 year olds account for about 25% of all motorcycle casualties. They generally ride mopeds, scooters or small capacity motorcycles. Around 80% are Warwickshire residents. Crashes are typically of slight severity and happen in urban areas. In many cases rider error, combined with inappropriate speed are notable contributory factors.
  • Fatal or serious severity crashes involve a broad age range of riders between 20–50 years old. They generally ride larger motorcycles. Around 50% are non-Warwickshire residents. Crashes are typically happen on our rural, high speed network. In many instances loss of control, combined with inappropriate speed are notable contributory factors. Over 50% of these crashes involve no other vehicle. 100% of riders are male.

Crashes involving motorcycles happen throughout the year, but are notably seasonal, with April to November being the most popular months for recreational riding.

The motorcycling community is particularly vulnerable to injury through road crashes. Warwickshire Police are actively working with our partners to help to protect these road users through the provision of improved education and training, the identification of motorcycle related safety engineering interventions and through the enforcement of road traffic law. It is important that all road users are aware of motorcycling issues.

However, it is also important to recognise that those riders who choose to abuse the law cause fear of harm and distress to many of our communities. In these instances Warwickshire Police will enforce the existing traffic law.

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