Taken this from the ninja site as Steve from KillSpills was keen to spread the word as much as possible and I'm sure we know more about biking that the DfT.
Please read reply to this post as well.
As you know KillSpills sits on several sub groups of the National Motorcycle Council which are tasked to deliver the Governments National Motorcycling Strategy. We are there to represent YOU.
We have a voice, and Government are listening. At our request, the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association have been invited to our next meeting with a specific remit to get anti diesel spill advice leaflets available at ALL UK petrol stations.
The DfT are currently undertaking a survey into motorcycle rear view mirrors, brake pads and tyres. They want to know how your mirrors perform (them on my R1 are crap at best), where you source your brake pads and tyres, what makes you pick a particular type of tyre etc.
So please help us to help you, go to the survey and complete it. It can be accessed at the attached link.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/roadsafety/motorcyclesurvey
Please reply to this post and let us know you have completed the survey
Many thanks for your support.
Stephen Edwards
KillSpills
OK the questionnaire for the DfT I posted has caused some debate. The full National Motorcycling Strategy can be found at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_035439.pdf
However, to aid you completing the questionnaire, I have typed out the relevant extracts and actions within the strategy.
The DfT want and need YOUR views. They will use this to identify if there is a problem. The meetings I have attended have a general consensus that brake linings are not a problem, but tyres might be, especially cheap foreign imports. Re mirrors, this was raised by some bikers, if you ride a sports bike and have no problems, then say so, this is your chance to have your say, and no one knows more about riding than you guys n gals.
KillSpills fought hard to get this questionnaire put on line, so you could have your say. Originally it was going to be posted out to MAG and BMF members. So help us to help you.
Steve
Extract of the National Motorcycle Strategy
BRAKE LININGS
5.8 The AGM identified a potential road safety risk should some aftermarket replacement brake linings fail to provide the same level of performance as those fitted when the machine was new. It recommended implementing the tougher requirements of United National ECE regulation 90:01 on replacement brake linings
5.9 We are not currently aware of any significant road safety risks arising from the current supply of aftermarket products but we will review the evidence with the industry and motorcyclists and seek to establish the extent of any risk.
ACTION (xiv) We support initiatives by motorcycle manufacturers and retailers to improve knowledge of advanced braking systems and how to maximise the road safety benefits. We will seek to establish the road safety risk from current replacement brake linings in collaboration with manufacturers and users
TYRES
5.10 Motorcyclists rely upon various factors in choosing correct and safe tyres for their machines. Tyre retailers and press reviews often advise consumers on the best tyre choice and the approval mark provides a further level of confidence for purchasers. The AGM suggests that internet purchases represent an increasing proportion of tyre sales. It argued that this and other market changes could present a risk to consumers in making poor decisions and that a new consumer information programme might help. We agree that if new purchasing routes are creating potential road safety risks then a consumer information programme may provide a solution. But before we develop our ideas on such a programme, we would first need to quantify the risk to road safety and consider the relative priority of this against other measures.
5.11 The AGM also recommended that a check on tyre approval marks be included in the annual MOT teat to provide a further check on tyre safety. We agree that this could be a useful additional measure and one that might be welcomed by users provided it could be demonstrated there was a clear benefit to safety.
Action xv: We will work with the tyre industry, motorcycle retailers and users to review current practice on tyre information and draw conclusions about what, if any, measures should be pursued, and by which agencies. In conjunction with the same stakeholders, we will consider whether tyre approval markings should be an additional requirement of the MOT teat – basing any decision upon evidence of cost and risks to road safety.
VISION
5.21 Good all round vision is a key factor for all road users. Motorcycles are often used in mixed traffic conditions, for example commuting on a daily basis, but while many riders take great care over their own ability to see and ensuring that they can be seen by others, the factors affecting safety are sometimes beyond their direct control.
5.22 Two issues were raised by the AGM on vision: one relates to motorcycle design, and one to other vehicles, and CARS in particular.
5.23 Although it is a requirement for a rear view mirror to be fitted on all motorcycles, motorcyclists have expressed concern that the positioning of mirrors on some machines provides poor rear vision. We accept that this could be a problem for some motorcyclists and some motorcycle models but we do not currently have evidence to support the road safety risk.
Action xviii: We will join with the user representatives and manufacturers to consider the size of the problem concerning rear vision, assess the road safety risk and develop appropriate solutions.
5.24 The problem of motorists who injure motorcyclists because they “looked but did not see” is well known…… this section goes on about vision of bikes from cars and A pillars in particular.
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