More riders taking pleasure in our roads

An IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) poll has found that motorcycle use is on the rise, with more than 60 per cent of riders stating that their overall bike usage has gone up since last year.

The online poll found that 78 per cent of the 5,717 respondents owned both a motorbike and a car.  The majority (88 per cent) use their bike for leisure at some point, with one third using the bike just for recreational riding.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research, said: “Most of this increase appears to be in riding for pleasure, so is unlikely to be a short-term, recession-linked trend: only a tiny proportion of bikers are using their machine exclusively for business or commuting.”

The poll also found that over 90 per cent of respondents felt that motorcyclists should be allowed in bus lanes in every town and city across the country.

Mr Greig added: “Feelings are running high on access to bus lanes for bikers after a successful experiment in London recently, so it comes as no surprise that there has been such positive feedback from the riders.

“A nationwide approach to consistent signposting and regulation would mean improved safety as bikers and the wider public would be more aware of the rules.”

The current state of our roads was also a key issue with respondents, with almost half believing that any available public money should be spent on better roads and infrastructure. Only 1.2 per cent cited safety cameras as the best use of public money.

ENDS

 Notes to Editors:

There were 5,717 respondents to the online poll of IAM members, non-members and associate members.

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ENDS ALL

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM established the Policy and Research Division to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.

4. IAM Skill for Life programmes are delivered through a UK wide network of over 200 voluntary IAM groups, details of which can be found at iam.org.uk.