The Sandwell Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers.

Produced by Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum and Sandwell Council.

Think BIKE

2000

Contents.

Part One:- Setting the scene.

Part Two:- Issues, Action.

For further information about this Strategy contact:-

Alan Tilly,

Sandwell M.B.C.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES,

P.O. Box 42, Development House, Lombard Street,

West Bromwich, West Midlands. B70 8RU.

Tel. 0121 569 4261, Fax. 0121 569 4072,

e-mail alan_tilly@sandwell.gov.uk

1. Chairman’s Foreword.

Everyone has travel needs. People need to get their shopping, travel to work and visit family or friends. The fortunate ones can choose how they travel. If they can afford it they could travel by car, if they live near a bus stop or train station by public transport and if they are able they can walk or cycle. We have inherited a transport hierarchy. The car is at the top of this list, cycling and walking somewhere near the bottom. Powered two wheelers hardly appear on the list at all. This is despite the fact that many rely on a motorcycle to get around but from the moment they set off they are vulnerable as well as facing a whole range of other difficulties.

Powered two wheelers come in all shapes and sizes. We all like to get on our bikes and go for a ride, ‘Live to Ride, Ride to Live’ if I may borrow from what someone else once said, but it should never be forgotten that they satisfy the riders daily travel needs. As congestion gets worse and the cost of motoring rises more and more people are choosing to travel by powered two wheelers. Notice how many newly registered brightly coloured scooters are now on the road often carrying ‘L’ plates. Times are changing and it’s time to take motorcycling further.

Sandwell Council recognised that powered two wheelers satisfy travel need, are a vulnerable mode of transport and their numbers are growing but had no strategy for them. It was at this point that the decision was made to produce a ‘Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers in Sandwell’. Who better to produce it then than riders themselves.

From the outset we have tried to produce a document that is as comprehensive as possible. I consider that this has been achieved. Each topic and the issues surrounding it have been considered in turn. This raises awareness of powered two wheelers and how decision makers can respond to the challenges ahead. The Strategy puts two wheelers firmly on Sandwell’s transport agenda. The shared objectives are goals that the Council and the Forum are committed to achieve.

This Strategy leads the way and sets the standards for others to follow. To those that gave their time and effort producing it you are to be commended and have achieved something others have failed to do. You have put something back into this pride and passion of ours and earned the right to call yourself a MOTORCYCLIST.

Pat Riley (Proud to be) Chairman, Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum.

2. Executive Summary.

Powered two wheelers are used by people to satisfy their travel needs. They are a distinct class of road user and have a different perspective on a whole range of issues. They are concerned about their safety, the road surface, theft and parking as well as many other matters.

Sandwell Council recognises this and has set up the Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum. This group was invited to write the Sandwell Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers. The Forum have discussed their concerns and come forward with ways in which they can be addressed. These ideas were then presented to the Council. After some consultation and discussion Sandwell Council and Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum now have come forward with range of shared objectives that in partnership they will both now strive to achieve. This Strategy presents the riders’ concerns often supported by empirical evidence and sets out ways in which the objectives can be achieved.

Commitment.

Sandwell Council recognises that powered two wheelers are a distinct class of road users. When making a journey by PTW the rider experiences a whole range of problems and difficulties not always apparent to car drivers. The Council is committed to addressing these issues to make PTW riders journey safer and easier.

Shared objectives.

Part One.

Setting the scene.

3. Objective of the strategy.

This Strategy provides a clear way forward to cater for the special needs of powered two wheelers. It sets out the shared objectives of the Council and Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum and presents the issues that need to be addressed. It also indicates the probable way in which they will start to be tackled.

4. Background.

In February 1997 the Labour Party published ‘Bike to Basics - Labour’s Strategy for Motorcycles’. This document outlined the advantages a powered two wheeler can offer the user and their environmental benefits in comparison to the motor car. Reference was made to the fact that ‘they are between twice and five times more fuel efficient than the motorcar producing half the carbon dioxide emissions and up to a third of the carbon monoxide emissions of unleaded vehicles’ and that they can ‘assist congestion by legally completing their journeys in half the time of other road users’ (Bike to Basics -Labour’s Strategy for Motorcyclists, Glenda Jackson MP, February 1997).

It was argued that the merits of PTWs have consistently been overlooked in the transport debate and gave a commitment to address this issue when in Government by putting ‘motorcycling where it has always belonged firmly at the heart of the transport agenda’.

The Labour Party was elected to Government in May 1997. The consultation paper on ‘Developing an integrated transport policy’, published in August 1997, made it clear that the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions wished to explore whether there is scope for PTWs to contribute to the Government’s wider transport objectives. In November 1997 it was announced at the opening of the International Motorcycle Show that a special consultative meeting would be convened to discuss the scope for PTWs in an integrated transport strategy (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Press Notice 260 11^th November 1997). This meeting took place on 25^th November 1997 involving all the major groups, with its outcome being described as ‘one of the building blocks of the considerations on the integrated transport strategy’. The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions also announced that new research had been commissioned to help gain a better understanding of the environmental and congestion benefits PTWs may have over cars (Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Press Notice 283 25^TH November 1997).

On July 16^th 1996 Sandwell Council joined the TravelWise Travel Awareness Campaign, the objective of which is to raise public awareness of the damaging effect car use is having on the environment, public health and the economy. People are encouraged to consider travelling by bus, train, cycling and walking and to use their cars more sensibly. The document ‘Transport Proposals in Sandwell 1997’ set out the Council’s Transport Philosophy as being to satisfy travel need in the ‘most sustainable means available’.

It was recognised by the Council that PTWs had often been overlooked by transport planners. This is partly because highway authorities including Sandwell have not wished to adopt policies and practices that could encourage PTW use fearing a corresponding rise in accidents. It was realised that this gap in policy needed to be addressed, not least because they offer mobility to their user, are one of the most vulnerable modes of transport and there numbers are growing . Their future role in an integrated and sustainable transport strategy also needed to be determined.

It was against this background, the debate surrounding the environmental and congestion benefits of PTWs and ‘Bike to Basics’ that the document ‘A Study of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Use in Sandwell’* was produced.

A questionnaire survey was undertaken to understand more fully PTW use in Sandwell. It found that the average rider in Sandwell is concerned about being involved in an accident and that this is a real danger not just a perceived one. Novice riders are particularly vulnerable. Riders were also concerned about having their bike stolen and having difficulty finding somewhere to park. The measures they suggested to overcome these, a PTW road safety campaign, secure parking and use of bus lanes are all issues Sandwell Council is able to investigate and address. The study concluded that the way forward was to prepare a ‘Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers in Sandwell’ and the study would provide a sound foundation for doing this. Appendix A provides a summary of its findings.

In July 1998 the Government published the White Paper ‘A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone’. The main focus of the Paper is to ‘increase personal choice by improving the alternatives and to secure mobility that is sustainable in the long term’. It requires Local Authorities to ‘take account of the contribution some powered two wheelers can make in delivering integrated transport policies’. This wording was used again in the ‘Guidance on Provisional Local Transport Plans’ published in April 1999.

* Copies of A Study of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Use in Sandwell are available from Alan Tilly, or click on the link below.

A Study of Motorcycle and Scooter use in Sandwell

5. How the Strategy was written.

From the outset it was recognised that the best people to write a ‘Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers in Sandwell’ are Sandwell riders themselves. A report was tabled at the Council’s Environment and Development Strategy Committee on 15^th June 1998 recommending that the Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum was established. Sandwell Council in effect began doing what the Department of Transport and the Regions would later prescribe as set out in the document ‘Guidance on Provisional Local Transport Plans’ April 1999 ‘local users...know the problems better than anyone and need to have an input’.

Established contacts were invited to a preliminary meeting which took place on 6^th July 1998. At this meeting the Council tabled its proposal that a ‘Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers in Sandwell’ should be written by Sandwell riders. The Strategy produced would then be offered to the Council as something it could consider adopting itself. The Council would provide the Forum with a meeting room and refreshments, secretarial services and whatever professional advice the Forum needed. The first meeting proper took place on 3^rd August 1998 opened by Councillor Roger Horton, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Development Strategy Committee, who in his address commented. "A person may choose to ride a motorcycle for no other reason than it’s economical to run and gets them from A to B. However, our studies confirm that users run a real risk of being involved in an accident and often experience difficulty finding somewhere secure to park. Despite the fact that motorcycles provide mobility, Sandwell, like many other Councils, has no policy for motorcycles. To fill this gap we are inviting riders in Sandwell to produce a ‘Strategy for Powered Two Wheelers in Sandwell".

Meetings then took place each month to discuss a different topic. Each month a guest speaker would attend to give expert advice on various topics. Speakers included Sandwell Council’s Assistant Chief Engineer Highway Network Services, Youth Workers involved in a ‘Wheels Project’ which has a particular emphasis on powered two wheelers, Police Crime Prevention Officer, the Council’s Group Planner Strategic and Local Planning, the Council’s Group Leader Transportation, a Police Motorcyclist, the Council’s Road Safety Officer, Paramedic Motorcyclists, and Trevor Magnor, the British Motorcyclists Federation Government Relations Executive and author of ‘Powered Two Wheelers into the Twenty First Century’.

At each meeting the issues and concerns for riders were discussed and measures to overcome these were suggested. The Forum in effect wrote a ‘shopping list’ of the things they would like to see done to improve conditions for powered two wheeler use. The Strategy was written based upon the minutes of the Forum meetings.

By June 1999 the Forum had produced a draft Strategy that everyone agreed upon. The Forums Chairman then officially presented this to the Council for their comments with to it being considered for adoption as Council policy. The draft Strategy was then circulated internally amongst Councillor officers. Officers read through the document considering what parts of it the Council would be able to adopt. Their comments were then passed back to the Forum. The Forum then met again to discuss the points raised and reach consensus on their response. On October 4^th 1999 the Forum met with Council officers to discuss each others views and agree a version acceptable to each other. This was achieved subject to a few further amendments.

6. Some things to bear in mind when reading this strategy.

Part Two.

Issues,

action and shared objectives.

7. Powered Two Wheelers satisfy travel need.

Shared objective: To take proper account of powered two wheelers whenever transportation and land use strategies, policies and proposals or major highway or public transport projects and the like are being produced.

Issues

The 1991 population census found that PTWs account for 1.2 per cent of all journeys to work in Sandwell. This compares to 1.5 per cent for bicycles and 64.5 per cent as a car driver. ‘A Study of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Use in Sandwell’ provided details of PTW use and confirmed that they are used to satisfy travel needs.

Of those in employment, 91 per cent use their PTW to get to work. Eighty two per cent use their bikes for leisure time trips, such as visiting friends, 76 per cent for personal business, such as going to the bank. Seventy per cent sometimes use their bike purely for enjoyment. Sixty per cent use their bike to go shopping. Of those who attend College or University only 15 per cent of users will make this trip by powered two wheeler.

Nationally, there are indications that the proportion of trips made by PTWs will begin to rise. PTWs represented 4.7 per cent of all new vehicles sales in 1997. In 1998 PTW sales figures were up 29 per cent over 1997. Sales of commuter scooters rose by 86.4 per cent over the same period (Powered Two Wheelers The Smart Choice - Motorcycle Industry 1999). In December 1995 there were 1825 PTWs registered to people living in Sandwell representing a 0.6 per cent ownership rate (Transport Proposals in Sandwell 1997).

The way forward.

Some people are dependant upon PTWs to get about and their number is likely to rise. For this reason their needs should be taken into account when transportation and land use strategies, policies and proposals are being produced. These include the Local Transport Plan, Transport Proposals in Sandwell, the Unitary Development Plan and major highway and public transport schemes. The Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum should be recognised and used by the Council as the means for consulting PTW users.

8. Safety.

Shared objective: To reduce the number and severity of all accidents involving powered two wheelers.

Issues.

Powered Two Wheelers are a vulnerable mode of transport. The death rate for a motorcyclist is 36 times higher than that for car users (Department of Environment Transport and the Regions News Release 960 12^th November 1998). The number of accidents involving PTWs is gradually starting to fall. In 1987 the Government set targets to reduce road casualties by the year 2000. PTW casualty figures are showing dramatic improvements. Deaths are down by 49 per cent, slight injuries down by 60 per cent and serious injuries down 70 per cent. Overall the PTW casualty figure is down 63 per cent (Motorcycle Industry, Powered Two Wheelers the Smart Choice, 1999). However, over the same period motorcycle usage fell by 52 per cent. The recent blip in deaths and serious injuries has largely been attributable to leisure PTWs in rural areas (Local Transport Plans -the powered two wheeler option, motorcycle Action Group 1999). In Sandwell the number of casualties has fallen from 135 in 1989 to 71 in 1997 (West Midland Road Accident Review 1997, West Midlands Joint Data Team).

‘A Study of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Use in Sandwell’ found that just over half of all riders in the Borough have been involved in an accident at some stage, 54 per cent. Of all newer riders (those with less than three years experience) 35 per cent have been involved in an accident. The primary cause of these accidents is other road users, 57 per cent, a figure very close to the 61 per cent recorded in the Police Injury Accident Report Stats 19 Form. The second most common cause is the road surface itself, 35 per cent. This includes hazards created by fuel spillage, wet roads, wet leaves, pot holes, ice and debris left on the carriageway. These are also the likely causes for those accidents where the rider is recorded by the police as having lost control. Eight per cent of riders involved in an accident admitted it was their own fault.

A joint study by the Motorcycle Industry Association and the RAC concludes that in PTW accidents where car drivers are deemed to be at fault, the principal contributory factors were turning right injudiciously (failing to observe a motorcycle in their path or a motorcyclists right of way), not complying with traffic signs or road markings and failure to anticipate other traffic (Motorcycle Primary Safety - Executive Summary, Motorcycle Industry Association, RAC, November 1996).

Of those accidents judged to be the fault of the rider likely causes are failure to control the machine properly, failure to anticipate other traffic, incorrect overtaking, not complying with traffic signs and road markings, turning right injudiciously and failure to anticipate pedestrians. (Characteristics of urban motorcycle accidents, Institute of Motorcycling, July 1989).

Government figures suggest that once distance travelled by each mode is accounted for, PTWs are involved in a higher proportion of pedestrian casualties than those caused by cars. The reasons for this have not been fully established but it may be due to PTWs being less easy to see and are able to approach at a higher speed or that pedestrians are taking insufficient care before stepping into their path. Another theory is that PTWs are quieter nowadays.

Action.

To reduce the number of PTW accidents other road users need to be aware of how their own driving habits can be improved. . For example, how often if ever has a motorist been told not too follow to closely behind a PTW - especially in wet conditions? To be effective it needs to be national and sustained. Central Government is therefore best placed to run such a campaign. The Council will lobby Central Government and others operating in the field of road safety to run PTW awareness campaigns. Sandwell Motorcyclist Forum recognises that all road users including motorcycle riders must take responsibility for their own safety.

At a local level the Council recognises that PTWs are vulnerable road users and is committed to tackling this with the limited resources available. The Council will run a PTW safety campaign targeting other road users and riders themselves focussing on new riders and drivers. For example it could produce leaflets for pre-driver training schemes, driving schools, driving instructors and students on the West Midlands Driver Improvement Scheme. Motorists who commit a minor traffic offence can attend the West Midlands Driver Improvement Scheme as an alternative to prosecution if deemed eligible by the Police. Powered two wheelers will also receive a special mention by road safety officers working in schools to help tackle PTW accidents involving pedestrians. To ensure resources are being used effectively the Council will consult the Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum where appropriate.

There is a lively debate regarding the benefits of high visibility clothing and riding with headlights on in daylight. Some argue that in some situations it can make a rider less visible as it breaks up their silhouette. On balance however it is considered in Sandwell that high visibility clothing can help reduce the risk and severity of accidents. The Council will explore the role high visibility clothing can play in its own PTW road safety campaign. For example it may consider encouraging riders to wear it, subsidise fluorescent bibs for new riders, or coordinate a scheme where local business sponsor them. These bibs could also carry a message/slogan aimed at other road users to raise awareness. This idea could be extended to include pedal cyclists.

On some of the main routes into Sandwell are ‘Welcome to Sandwell’ signs. The Council could investigate the effectiveness of displaying ‘Think Bike’ signs or similar at strategic locations around the Borough. The objective of this is to remind motorists to be aware of PTWs and pedal cycles. These signs would also give a clear message that Sandwell is committed to being a pedal cycle and PTW friendly place.

The ‘Think Bike’ slogan could also be included where appropriate on Council literature particularly on those dealing with transport issues This would reinforce the PTW and pedal cycle awareness message and demonstrate the Councils commitment to safety for these modes.

NOTE: Training is key safe motorcycling. This Strategy recognises this and the subject will be addressed at future meetings of the Sandwell Motorcyclists Forum.

9. Theft.

Shared objective: To reduce motorcycle crime in Sandwell.

Issues

If you own a powered two wheeler you are three and a half times more likely to have it stolen than any other vehicle on the road. No wonder then that the average rider spends 10 per cent of the machine cost on security (Motorcycle Action Group Briefing Document 12: Security). On average 25,000 motorbikes are stolen each year, only about 14 per cent of these are recovered compared to a 60 per cent recovery rate for cars. (Motorcycle Industry, Powered Two Wheelers, The SMART Choice in Local Transport Plans, A Policy Resource Kit). Those never returned to their owner could be:-

A ‘Study of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Use in Sandwell’ found theft ranked third as riders main concern after ‘other road users’ and ‘road surface’.

Actions and Policy.

Compared to other vehicles PTWs are relatively modest in size and weight and may have a high monetary value. This makes them attractive and easy targets for the opportunist thief who can wheel them away or bundled into a van in seconds. All machines are at risk. However the risk of theft can be reduced by making things as difficult as possible for the casual and professional thief. The Home Office campaign ‘CRIME together we’ll crack it’ recommends riders take the precautions listed in Table One. These are all things that the Council and the Police amongst others can have an influence over. The below shows how the Council the Police, PTW riders, dealers, developers, and manufacturers can all take action to help reduce PTW crime.

TABLE ONE.

Taking action against powered two wheeler theft.

CONTINUE