As summer hails the start of peak biking season, specialist motorcycle insurers Devitt Motorcycle Insurance Brokers has launched a new study to discover attitudes between car drivers and motorcyclists.

Far from the speed-fuelled stereotypes often attributed to them, research shows that the top priority for more than two fifths (41%) of British motorcyclists is to stay safe on the road. Fewer than one percent (0.21%) said their goal was to ride fast.

The results confirm that motorcyclists take safety on the roads extremely seriously. When riding closely to other vehicles, nine out of 10 motorcyclists (90%) say they are concerned about their safety. In addition, nearly three quarters (71%) of bikers claim car drivers are distracted. A further two thirds (62%) also consider drivers to be impatient on the road. 

In comparison, the majority (61%) of drivers said their number-one priority was getting to their destination, with less than a fifth (19%) saying safety was their primary objective. While nearly half (48%) of drivers surveyed also felt that bikers were impatient, fewer than one in 20 (4%) considered motorcyclists to be distracted on the roads.

Drivers also expressed concern about riding closely to bikers. A third of male drivers (67%), and even more female drivers (73%), said they were vigilant of their own safety when driving near motorcyclists. 

Commenting on the findings, Tom Warsop, Head of Marketing at Devitt Motorcycle Insurance Brokers, said: “For many, motorcycling is a leisure activity which provides a great way to get out and about in the countryside, and to enjoy the good weather. In contrast, driving is more readily associated with day-to-day tasks, such as going to and from work, which may shed some light on why bikers are considered to be more focused than drivers.

“However, there is common ground between drivers and bikers with regard to safety. The results also suggest that road users are stereotyping each other, despite the findings showing that both groups are concerned about keeping themselves – and their vehicles – safe.

“In line with this, Devitt has prepared a list of core tips for drivers and riders alike to take each other’s perspectives. Taking just a couple of moments to appreciate the challenges and considerations of other road users can help us all in becoming more tolerant and to keep safety – not preconceptions –  as our number one focus.”