The British Motorcyclists Federation have today given a mixed reaction to the publication of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2020.
 
While the BMF welcomes the setting up of a user forum and especially the dropping of earlier proposals for lower speed limits for motorcycles, it maintains its objection to a proposed ban on unaccompanied riding by learner motorcyclists. This is a premature proposal say the BMF given that Compulsory Basic Training has not yet been implemented in Northern Ireland.
 
The new strategy* follows a wide ranging consultation process in which while motorcycling was recognised as a key part, it was seen more as a victim of circumstances and not as is often the case, the sole cause of casualties.
 
In submitting its views the BMF supported the setting up of a user forum and is pleased to see that this has been included in the strategy. It has also welcomed the fact that a proposal it objected to, the introduction of differential speed limits for motorcycles, has been dropped.
 
Amongst many other measures the BMF supported and are now included in the strategy, is the consideration of motorcycling in the design of new roads, installing motorcycle ‘friendly’ barriers, the development of a motorcycling safety strategy for Northern Ireland and an approved motorcycle instructor register.
 
Commenting Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: “We are pleased that many of our comments have been accepted, but the ban on unaccompanied learning is unnecessary and will be disastrous for the small bike market. It shouldn’t even be considered until the CBT system has had a chance to play out.”
 
The BMF will now play a full part in the new forum and be pressing home its views, particularly on the learner rider aspects.
 
*The strategy document can be found here: