Motorcycling proposals call for licensing shake up for faster bikes

A shake up of licensing for powerful motorcycles and enhanced road safety initiatives are two of the key proposals contained in a report on the future of motorcycling.

The report - 'Advisory Group on Motorcycling: Final Report to Government' - will inform the government's strategy for motorcycling to be published in the near future.

The report recommends that government:

• carries out a fundamental review of the licensing regime which allows faster access to riding bigger bikes
• promotes rider improvement and speed awareness courses for offending motorcyclists
• runs a hard-hitting advertising campaign to make motorcyclists and other road users more aware of dangers
• and recommends that the position of motorcycles using bus lanes be reviewed.

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson welcomed a report as "timely".

"Motorcyclist deaths rose by 14% in 2003 and this is a challenge we must face up to. The government and the motorcycling community are working together to make biking safer and to take account of the needs of motorcyclists," he said.

"Motorcycling is an important part of the transport mix and we will consider the report's recommendations closely as we further develop our motorcycling strategy."

Today's report is the final paper from industry, local government and road user bodies brought together in 1999 to consider the safety and environmental impact of motorcycling.

(gmcg)