Powered Two-Wheelers

Powered two-wheelers (PTW’s) – motorcycles; motor scooters; mopeds - are classed as a vulnerable group for much the same reasons as cyclists.

Their lack of protection in the event of a collision and the difficulty that other road users have in seeing them, allied to the higher speeds involved, mean they are prone to more serious injury.

Research commissioned by the Scottish Executive into the increase in PTW accidents shows that, while accident numbers in Scotland have indeed been on the increase, the accident rate, measured against the number of PTW’s registered has remained constant and the rate measured against the average mileage has dropped slightly.

In other words, the increase in PTW accidents appears to be a direct result of a significant increase in PTW popularity and activity. The Scottish Executive has commissioned further research into risk-taking in motorcyclists which is due for publication towards the end of 2005. Chart 8 shows a dramatic drop in slight casualties for PTW’s with a generally downward trend for KSIs since 1999. While the KSI figure is still slightly above the target line, it compares favourably with the national trend.

Chart 8

Aberdeenshire Council will:

• continue to programme maintenance measures within budgetary constraints to improve the general standard of road surface and to limit deposits of loose materials
• continue to trial experimental and innovative schemes aimed at reducing PTW accidents
• support the Scottish Executive in their research work into motorcycle accidents
• work with Motorcycling/PTW groups to identify educational and engineering approaches to improving road safety for PTW users
• consider the provision of safe and secure PTW parking facilities at appropriate locations