MAG presents breakthrough road safety framework to Government
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has submitted three major policy reports to the Department for Transport and Transport for London. The reports draw on motorcyclists' unique road safety perspective to propose solutions for casualty reduction stagnation affecting all road users.
The reports present a complete framework for implementing MAG's "Welcoming Roads" approach. This has been developed through four years of policy work. It draws on motorcyclists' distinctive position as road users who experience both vulnerability and mobility.
As both vulnerable road users and motorised traffic participants, motorcyclists encounter the full spectrum of road safety challenges daily. This dual perspective has enabled MAG to identify systematic approaches that could break the casualty reduction plateau. This plateau has affected all road user groups since 2010. It moves beyond fragmented policies that address different user types separately.
Building on formal recognition from Oxfordshire County Council, which acknowledged alignment with MAG's 'Welcoming Roads' approach in their 2024 Vision Zero Strategy, and formal endorsement from the National Motorcyclists Council, the reports demonstrate how evidence-based approaches can accelerate Vision Zero ambitions. They avoid the divisive policies that have created public resistance in other jurisdictions.
The framework addresses eight key areas. These include licensing reform, infrastructure design, proportionate funding allocation, and vehicle safety standards. While ensuring motorcyclists receive recognition proportionate to their 19% share of road deaths, the approach delivers safety improvements for all road users through integrated policy development.
MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:
"Motorcyclists occupy a unique space in road safety discussions. We understand vulnerability because we live it. But we also understand the realities of motorised transport. This dual perspective has shown us that the biggest safety gains come from systematic approaches. These consider all road users together, rather than policies that fragment by transport mode.
We're not claiming to have all the answers. But our position between different road user communities has given us insights that could help break the stagnation affecting everyone. These reports offer practical solutions developed through that distinctive viewpoint."
The reports arrive as the Department for Transport prepares its autumn road safety strategy. They present Government with a comprehensive alternative that draws on motorcyclists' unique perspective to benefit all road users.
ENDS
Contact MAG at 03300 560 886 or central-office@mag-uk.org
Notes for Editors
- Find the three MAG documents below.
- Welcoming Roads – A National Road Safety Strategy: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/b/bb/Welcoming_Roads_-_A_National_Road_Safety_Strategy_-_FINAL.pdf
- Welcoming Roads – Implementation Strategy: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/c/c6/Welcoming_Roads_-_Implementation_Strategy_-_FINAL.pdf
- A Welcoming Narrative - Proposals for TfL's Vision Zero Action Plan 2: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/8/82/A_Welcoming_Narrative_-_FINAL.pdf
- Oxfordshire County Council formally recognised the Welcoming Roads Approach in its April 2024 Road Safety Strategy stating: “Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, and we will work with our motorcycle stakeholder, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) to ensure the latest safety information for motorcyclists can be shared. We will also work with them in aligning with their ‘Welcoming Roads’ approach to road safety.”
- Link: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/5/51/Annex_C_-_Vision_Zero_Strategy_and_Action_Plan.pdf
- https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/road-safety/vision-zero
- Welcoming Roads was endorsed by the National Motorcyclists Council in 2021
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