Cycling advocates have been very vocal over the years with regards to cycling safety. The CTC and British Cycling have engaged government both critically and constructively to highlight key issues, such as lorry safety, where cyclists have some very obvious concerns.
As cyclists and former cyclists make up almost the entire motorcycle industry customer base, we propose to work with cyclists to ensure both their safety and to enlist their help in promoting the safety of motorcyclists. There are several key areas where we can do this, the most obvious being in the area of infrastructure.
Access to shared facilities with cyclists has historically been a vexed issue. In particular, sharing facilities such as bus lanes and advanced stop lines have been the subject of campaigns by both cycle groups and motorcycle groups. The MCIA has supported access to facilities such as bus lanes where appropriate and continues to do so. Access to other facilities, such as cycle lanes, is a little more problematic and will require a more substantive dialogue on exactly which vehicles should have access and how this will be enforced. The MCIA is certainly not advocating that large and powerful motorcycles should use dedicated cycle lanes, but the case for some electric bicycles and electric PTWs still needs to be considered.
One area where there is clear agreement is in the need for maintenance. Local authorities have stated in the ALARM Survey for 2014 that the total maintenance backlog for roads is in the order of £12 billion. This needs to be addressed urgently.
In terms of general road safety policy, there are many issues where cyclists and motorcyclists share common ground. We propose to explore these areas with cycle groups with the aim of developing joint policies in appropriate areas.
Such an approach can help provide a clearer voice on some key transport and safety issues. It would also offer opportunities for enhanced working with government and other authorities such as TfL and local authorities.
The MCIA will hold a series of workshops with cycling advocates in order to agree areas where joint working can take place and develop shared positions as appropriate.
Hold second and further meetings with the new CEO at CTC (Cycle Touring Club) to develop the required relationship.
The CEOs of MCIA and the Bicycle Association met with the then new CEO at CTC. This meeting was positive and a follow up meeting will be held in 2016/2017 to discuss further options to work together.