Groundbreaking research aims to spearhead efforts to improve young rider safety

The most comprehensive research project into young motorcyclists to date, commissioned to understand the attitudes, behaviours, needs and preferred methods of communication of young riders, has been launched by the National Young Rider Forum (NYRF).

Carried out with funding from The Road Safety Trust and support from Agilysis, the Young Riders Matter project comprised a casualty analysis of riders aged 16-24 years – as well as a survey completed by 250 young riders, with follow-up interviews.

The survey ensured young riders were placed at the centre of this project, which aims to be the focal point for stakeholders supporting this important cohort.

The casualty analysis showed that 22,161 young motorcyclists were injured between 2019 and 2023. Of all young motorcyclist casualties, 29% resulted in the rider being killed or seriously injured (KSI).

The largest group of casualties is those riding motorcycles with an engine size of 51 to 125cc. However, as motorcycles get larger, the severity ratio increases.

Of all young motorcyclist casualties from 51 to 125cc, 27% resulted in KSIs, compared with 35% on bikes ranging from 126 to 500cc and 50% on bikes over 500cc.

The research also shows:

• Rider casualties are disproportionately from deprived areas
• Rider casualties live and crash in urban areas
• T-junctions and conflicts with cars feature often
• Casualties often occur on weekdays and afternoons

The rider survey shows there is no single definition that captures everything it means to be a ‘young rider’, because these young people use a motorcycle for many different reasons; have different experience levels; and have different attitudes to safety and therefore behave in different ways.

Some do not even identify as motorcyclists; it is a form of transport and means to an end, rather than something that defines them.

Those who participated in the survey are aware of their vulnerabilities as motorcyclists and display good knowledge about the importance of helmet choice, maintenance, and wearing it correctly.

With regards the personal protective equipment (PPE), the majority reported wearing leather or textile gloves, jackets and boots. There were a minority who reported wearing hoodies, jeans or trainers and few respondents stated that they wore a leather one-piece suit, air vests or Hi-Viz or reflective gear.

In the interviews, there was agreement that purchasing PPE online was a “minefield” and that it can be difficult to find a trusted voice. They thought it was better if you could find a local in-person supplier who could discuss safety issues and provide advice on accredited gear.

It was also felt that there were opportunities to improve CBT, with many suggesting hazard perception, pre-learning, a theory test, or post-CBT support could be provided to help them.

The survey also revealed that:

• Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Facebook are most common social media channels used
• Most common sources of information on riding were search engines, online forums, friends/siblings, social media, motorcycle retailers/trainers
• Most participants would use a Young Riders’ App – they were favourable about an app containing route planning, safety tips, and further training

Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “It’s so important that we carefully look at the experiences of young motorcyclists. By understanding factors such as their motivation for riding, the choices they make or where they get their information from, we can work to find effective solutions to prevent further tragedies.

“The Government has made it clear through the proposals set out in the National Road Safety Strategy that the level of riders killed or seriously injured on our roads remains unacceptably high.

“I was pleased that the Trust could support such a comprehensive research project looking into this issue and I look forward to seeing how it can inform road safety policy and campaigns in the future.”

Research to help NYRF build its offering to young riders
The research was officially launched on 10th February, with a webinar attended by more than 75 stakeholders.

It comes in the wake of the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy, which sets a target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.

The strategy also includes consulting on reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licencing; and supporting trials to improve motorcycle safety on rural roads.

The new research follows a 2020 study, which has been used as a blueprint to guide the activities of NYRF in recent years.

The 17 recommendations from the previous report covered actions related to the overall approach of NYRF; engagement; training; websites and apps; campaigns; and further research.

An exploration of activities over the last five years since the report was published shows that the NYRF has truly embraced these recommendations and delivered a range of evidence-based initiatives.

Interventions which have been delivered as a consequence of the research include tailored infographics covering weather and road conditions; PPE; bike maintenance; impairment; and seasonable events. Multiple channels have been used for dissemination, increasing potential reach.

Ten of the previous 17 recommendations are still relevant, including:

• For NYRF members and other stakeholders to use this report as a guide when creating interventions targeting young riders, working with colleagues to drill down into their local young rider collision issues.
• To target the youngest segments of young riders (16 to 21 years old) as these are the motorcyclists most at risk of collision involvement. Furthermore, the segmentation, surveys and interviews suggest that these are the riders requiring the most support. They have less experience and have undergone less training, providing an opportunity for engagement and assistance before poor habits or attitudes are developed.
• Identify effective ways to engage with young riders who are using a motorcycle for the first time to commute to school, college or an apprenticeship. Whilst working with educational establishments is one option, the numbers of young riders per institution may be small.
• Liaise with DVSA on the findings and discuss the support surrounding CBT that young riders would like.
• Continue to highlight the importance of their visibility and bike light maintenance, alongside adopting good road positioning and approach speeds that will help reduce their risk at night-time and at junctions.

An additional three recommendations focus on protective equipment:

• Work with DfT’s SHARP rating initiative to promote the helmet assessment and rating programme
• Provide advice on how to find good quality PPE, perhaps providing a guide as to what to look out for and what the minimum equipment used should be
• Continue to enhance the New Rider Hub and explore the potential of an app could include route planning, safe riding tips, and information on training and protective clothing.

Heidi Duffy MBE, facilitator of the NYRF, said: “This is the most comprehensive research project into young motorcyclists to date, and is desperately needed across the UK.

“It can help road safety organisations to reduce motorcycle KSIs, in line with the new targets set out in the National Road Safety Strategy.

“The research uses a co-creation collaborative methodology where the voices and views of the young riders themselves are placed at the centre, something which is very important to the NYRF. 

“The aim is for this project to be the focal point for the NYRF – and other stakeholders – supporting young riders going forwards.”