Brake supports the Committee’s recommendation that the Government commission research into speed limiters for motorcycles. There are a disproportionately high number of motorcyclist deaths and injuries on our roads – in 2005, more than 47 times as many motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured per kilometre driven than car drivers. Speed is a contributory factor in more than twice as many motorcycle crashes as car crashes and is a contributory factor in almost a third of fatal road crashes. Brake believes decisive action is needed to tackle this problem and urges the Government to conduct research into speed limiters as a way of reducing crashes, in addition to its ongoing research into Intelligent Speed Adaptation systems.
Brake is also pleased that the Select Committee is advising the Government to introduce a requirement for the registration of mini motos, or at least a pilot to inform debate on a national registration scheme. Brake called for the registration of mini moto vehicles in its response to the Select Committee’s Inquiry and recommended that use of these vehicles be restricted to those aged 17 and over. Driving a high-speed motorised two-wheeler requires maturity and concentration that children do not possess, and the requirement for registration would allow restriction of the sales of mini motos to those who are over 17.
In its response to the Select Committee’s Inquiry, Brake also recommended that the Government make it compulsory to wear a helmet when driving a mini-moto, quad bike, or any similar vehicles, whether on or off the road.
Jools Townsend, head of education at Brake, said: "Mini motos can be extremely dangerous and ought to be registered with the DVLA in the same way as other motorcycles and motor vehicles. This allows police to identify illegal vehicles and seize them, and sends the message that mini motos are not toys and should not be used by children.
"We also support the Committee’s recommendation that the Government should consider use of speed limiters on motorbikes and continue research into Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) as a method of preventing speeding among both motorcyclists and drivers. With many motorcyclists and drivers willing to risk their own lives – and the lives of others – by speeding, it’s crucial that we develop measures to prevent this deadly behaviour on our roads."
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