Motorcycle Safety Research
In deciding the content and objectives of the Blindspot programme the Road Safety Team has collected data from a number of sources. Two formal research programmes were undertaken to guide our work:
- A scoping study looking at motorcycle crash data in Devon, 1996-2001
This study was based on the crash and casualty data that is supplied by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary - the same data that forms the basis of the crash reduction programmes routinely undertaken by Devon County Council as a highway authority. The report also looks at research into motorcycle crashes and casualties being undertaken in the UK and European Union and includes such specific areas as Young Riders, Helmets and Clothing and Behavioural Research.
- A user-survey seeking the views, needs and aspirations of motorcycle riders across Devon.
Postal questionnaires (and a link to an on-line version of the same questionnaire) were sent out to users, dealers and rider groups throughout Devon in order to help us find out what lies behind the standard casualty data. Our intention was to find out who rides in Devon, where, why, how often, how many miles and journeys are made each year. We also wanted to know who had received what training and what their views were about the training and education of others - including car drivers - ad we sought frank opinions on the condition of our network and what actions riders thought we should be taking on their behalf.
In addition to these formal studies we have sought to keep lines of communication open with bikers at all times. The Devon Road Safety Helpdesk takes calls, enquiries and comments from all road users but to enhance the service we have provided a mailbox at bikers@devon.gov.uk for enquiries specific to powered two wheeler riders.
We have also established a highly successful on-line discussion forum. The first forum has now been archived and is available for viewing only - with around350 contributions from over 60 contributors the forum was becoming a bit too large to navigate with ease. A second forum has been set up for new discussions from April 2005. Before archiving the first forum attracted over 70,000 hits and was attracting riders from well beyond the south west.
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