Training 'most important factor' for motorcycle safety

Date: 31/3/2010

Rather than focus on testing, training should be the long-term goal of the motorcycle licensing regime, industry body the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has argued.

Responding to the announcement of new measures affecting the motorcycle licensing structure, the MCI stated that the new proposals still fall short of what is needed to properly improve motorcycle safety.

Chief executive officer at the MCI Steve Kenward said: "Although we recognise the government intends to go down the testing route for now, industry still believes that a training based route to a full licence should be considered the longer term goal."

The MCI says it believes progressive training is the best way to improve rider safety, and such training should be properly regulated and delivered to a common standard.

Motorcycle riders are not the only group affected by the licensing changes announced earlier this week. Lorry and bus drivers will also see changes when the reforms are introduced in 2013.