Parents encouraged to take control of young Moped riders

Tuesday, 29 September 2009

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Parents encouraged to take control of young

moped and motorcycle riders  

Many young students will return to their studies this year on mopeds and motorcycles and parents in Warwickshire are being urged to send them on a free, dedicated training course to help them stay safe on the roads. 

Research has shown that 16 to 19 year old motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users and many still feel nervous and cautious when they first travel on two wheels; even though this heralds an exciting, new-found freedom. 

Warwickshire Road Safety Officer, Stephen Rumble explains;- 

   “   A moped or motorcycle is a great way to get around because you no longer have to rely on parents for lifts or be constrained by public transport times. However, our behavioural studies suggest that many inexperienced riders quickly change from feeling nervous, cautious and vulnerable to being confident, cocky and believing themselves to be invincible. The casualty statistics for this age group would frighten any parent, but we are not trying to discourage the use of mopeds and motorcycles. The Take Control training course is designed to help young riders develop new skills, temper any over-enthusiasm and improve their road safety awareness   “. 

A number of prominent local motorcycle dealerships are supporting and promoting the Take Control courses and the free half-day rider training would be an ideal follow up to CBT. The advanced instructors are available seven days a week and will usually take one or two motorcyclists per session, starting at a convenient location to suit everyone.                                                                                                          

For more information, go to www.takecontroltraining.co.uk 

Research – 16 to 19 year old moped and motorcycle users:

·         Two thirds enjoy ‘showing off’ on their bikes and more than half admit to performing tricks such as doughnuts, wheelies, stoppies, jumping and skidding and racing their mates on the roads.

·         Young riders will push small engine scooters to the maximum limit and half admit to riding at between 31mph and 40mph in a 30mph zone.

·         More than half see no reason not to de-restrict mopeds and more than 75% would ride faster if their machine were capable of higher speeds.

·         Collisions involving young riders typically occur on urban roads, close to home and at relatively slow speeds.

·         Moped and motorcycle riders make up nearly 30% of all fatalities and serious injuries in road traffic collisions amongst 16 to 19 year old road users.

In 2008, 81 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured (10 fatalities) in Warwickshire. 

Two wheeled powered vehicles make up approximately 1% of all road traffic and yet in Warwickshire, nearly 23% of all fatal and serious injury casualties involved in road traffic collisions are motorcyclists and scooterists. This is slightly higher than the national statistical average. 

Take Control aims to reduce motorcyclist casualties by enhancing rider ability, confidence and attitude through the delivery of subsidised, targeted and accessible practical motorcycle training. Riders of mopeds, 125cc bikes and more powerful machines would all benefit as the instructional format is always tailored to the level of skill and training needs of the individual rider. 

The Take Control range of free and subsidised rider training courses are available now to anyone who rides in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. 

Take Control is organised by Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership and Safer Roads Partnership for West Mercia and produced with the support of the Department for Transport. The MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association) supports the training programme.