Organisations for safer motorcycling

Motorcyclists are 16 times more likely than car users and twice as likely as cyclists to be killed or seriously injured on the roads of the UK.  Since this makes motorcyclists the most at-risk road users, there have been various organisations and initiatives set up to try to bring down the numbers of motorcycle accident injuries.

These are three initiatives dedicated to making the roads safer:

1. Smidsy
2. Bikesafe
3. Think!

Smidsy – www.smidsy.co.uk
“Smidsy” – or Sorry, Mate, I Didn’t See You – has been organised by South Gloucestershire Council.  It was formed out of the excuse that many car drivers give after an accident with a motorcycle, and aims to raise the awareness of all road users about the problem of motorcyclists not being seen.

These accidents account for 25% of all motorcycle accidents, rising to an estimated 80% in some specific black spots.

The theory of why “smidsy” accidents happen so frequently is driver expectation.  Car drivers do not expect to see a motorcyclist so they pull out, causing an accident that all too often seriously injures or kills the motorcyclist.

Bikesafe – www.bikesafe.co.uk
Bikesafe is an initiative created by the Police Forces of the UK, who are the ones who see most motorcycle accidents each year.  They see motorcycling changing from a mode of transport to a leisure activity for many, and with the number of motorcyclists rising each year, so more accidents happen.

There are lots of suggestions on ways for motorcyclists to keep themselves safe, including defensive riding, wearing the appropriate clothing, and how to ride in groups.  Bikesafe aims to reduce the number of accidents by making more motorcyclists better riders.

Think! - www.thinkroadsafety.co.uk
Think! is a road safety campaign that targets all road users.  It has specific advice for motorcyclists, both those who use their motorcycle for commuting and those who ride for the pleasure of it. 

It promotes improving driver riding skills by going on advanced courses, as well as outlining just a few of the hazards that motorcyclists face every time they take to the road, and how to avoid them.  It also highlights to car drivers the differences between riding and driving, and what to watch out for when driving near a motorcycle.

Personal injury compensation – no costs or fees
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, take advantage of our personal injury claim service.  There are no costs, fees or loans – guaranteed.

We are successful in many of the claims that we take on, helping thousands of people get compensation for injuries that were not their fault.  For free legal advice on making a motorcycle accident claim, call us on 0800 10 757 95 and we will be pleased to help.