Women Bikers Cause Rise In Motorcycle Accidents

Posted by Katie Clayton on October 30, 2010 under Personal Injury | Be the First to Comment

Women bikers are becoming an increasingly common sight on Britain’s roads, as last year alone around 10,000 women passed their motorcycle training practical test. In a testament to girl power, they now account for at least 20% of the UK’s growing number of motorcyclists.

Women

are taking up the form of transport mostly for financial reasons. As the cost of fuel continues to rise more women are encouraged to swap their cars for just two wheels in an effort to save money. 14% of women questioned by the Post Office said that they would consider riding a motorbike to save cash. Motorcycles are also a great way to beat congestion and traffic jams on the way to work, and make way for a greener planet.

Motorcycle accidents have shot up by 30% in the last decade. Many road users and social commentators have attempted to hold women bikers responsible for the massive increase in accidents, as they are more likely less experienced and confident on motorcycles than their male counterparts. The evidence suggests otherwise.

Fewer women, in proportion, are involved in motorcycle accidents than their male counterparts. This is proved by research that found while men were involved in 15 times more accidents then women, they were 7 times more likely to make a journey. It could be argued that they drive more slowly and carefully, have a greater regard for their own and other road users’ safety, and travel less distance. Additionally they are more likely to attend extra course after receiving their license, such as advanced rider development training, which provides skills to avoid accidents at junctions and overtaking manoeuvres.

Police and road safety campaigners are in fact targeting born-again bikers as the perceived cause of increased accidents in a 10 year road safety campaign. These men, usually in their 30s and 40s, return to motorcycling after a long period of not holding a license. This means they are inexperienced, as well as not being used to today’s powerful bikes and the increase of vehicles on the road. Police are warning the men to slow down and drive more carefully.

If you have been involved in a motorbike accident and are considering making a motorbike accident claim or a motorcycle injury claim then get in touch with a specialist lawyer