Statistics have revealed that, on average, 10 motorcyclists are
killed on our roads every year.
Between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024, 51
motorcyclists lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads, a
tragic statistic.
Driver carelessness is the biggest cause of motorcyclist deaths
and serious injuries, with half due to motorcyclist error and
half due to other factors.
Motorcycle Action Group's (MAG) Martyn Boyd has joined the Share
the Road to Zero campaign to highlight the dangers.
Share the Road to Zero is a community engagement initiative,
which encourages greater responsibility and care on our roads.
Signing up to the campaign on behalf of the NI Region of MAG UK,
Martyn Boyd said: “I'm keen to do what I can to help riders stay
safe on the road and also enjoy their riding. That is why I am
urging drivers to always look out for motorcyclists and to take
an extra two seconds to check for us, especially at junctions or
making any turns.
“The pillars by your windscreen can hide a rider so please check
around them. It almost happened to me, in my car, not seeing a
rider hidden by my windscreen pillar.”
Martyn, who has been a motorcyclist for 45 years, added: “I have
had a few collisions myself and some were my own fault. So,
I would also urge riders to always, always be alert for hazards,
keep a good lookout, ride in a position that lets you see as much
of the road as possible and gives others the best chance to see
you.
“If you think someone may pull out on you, be prepared and take
avoiding action yourself, don't depend on them.”
Thanking Martyn for signing up to Share the Road to Zero,
Minister Kimmins said: “In the North, the death rate on
our roads is, on average, one per week.
“Far too many lives being lost and too many families
whose lives are shattered by the worst possible news and evidence
shows that motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable
groups.
“It is shocking to hear that 51 motorcyclists were killed
here in five years with driver carelessness the biggest cause of
motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries.
“There are things we can do to improve road safety and as
drivers we should always take another look for a
motorcyclist before making any manoeuvre.
“Motorcyclists could be approaching faster than you think
and can be difficult to see. So we should all take another look
when overtaking, parked, when the weather is bad, when turning
right or when sitting in traffic.”
Recent signatories to the Share the Road to Zero include Olympian
Ciara Mageean, Liverpool and Northern Ireland footballer Conor
Bradley, senior women's footballer , Ulster Rugby trio Jacob
Stockdale, Nick Timoney, and Michael Lowry, Ulster GAA star Rory
Grugan, and Belfast Giants.
Notes to editors:
-
WATCH: “I'm keen to do what I can to help
riders stay safe on the road and also enjoy their riding” –
Martyn Boyd explains why he is signing up to the Share the Road
community engagement campaign on behalf of the Northern Ireland
region of Motorcycle Action Group UK. https://youtu.be/7Wc1q8rjIdc
