Goverment delays biker training

COMPULSORY BASIC training for motorcyclists will not be introduced this year despite a promise in the Government's Road Safety Strategy that all learner bikers would have to undergo formal, basic training by the end of 2008.

According to the Road Safety Strategy motorcyclists are over-represented in collision statistics in Ireland, with 2,000 bikers killed between 1996 and 2003. The figures equate to a fatality rate in the Republic of 1.5 bikers per 1,000 licensed motorcycles, the highest fatality rate in Europe.

The Road Safety Strategy quotes OECD claims that a motorcyclist is two to three times more likely to be killed in the Republic than in other European countries.

Of the 203 people killed on Irish roads from January 1 to last Monday morning, 26 were bikers. Bikers are also one of the "vulnerable road users" targeted by Road Safety Authority chief executive Noel Brett, who has pointed out that while they account for just 2 per cent of licences, bikers account for about 12 per cent of road deaths.

"Learner drivers are vulnerable road users and face greater risks and challenges due to their inexperience. Evidence suggests that the best way to reduce risk is to introduce measures that are designed to protect them until they have built up enough experience behind the wheel," Brett said.

But despite the success of a pilot programme for compulsory motorcycle training earlier this year, the Department of Transport has yet to sign off on regulations to bring in formal training.

The pilot programme "road tested" the syllabus for formal training using approved driving instructors. This process is now complete and the syllabus is in place covering the various compulsory basic training modules that the learner permit holder must cover.

There are four modules in the syllabus covering such topics as personal protective equipment; placing bike on/off stand; use of controls; emergency braking, anticipation/reaction among others.

Other conditions have been met, the RSA said yesterday, including the introduction of basic training and the availability of a good supply of approved driving instructors and off-road compounds.

The authority said it and the Department of Transport are now in the process of finalising the regulations. A department source confirmed this would not be in 2009.

Compulsory basic training for other drivers is also being considered under the authority's Graduated Licensing project.