MAG and TfL consolidate partnership on London rider safety

Transport for London (TfL) and Greater London MAG met again to formulate a joint initiative to deliver TfL’s road safety objectives in regard to motorcyclists. The theme was rider safety and the impact of traffic management schemes on bikers.

In a further sign of the development of an evolving partnership, Cathy Phillpotts, from Greater London MAG, led a delegation including Lembit Öpik and Colin Brown at a roundtable meeting with TfL experts to explore how rider’s safety can be improved in the Capital. This event forms part of a regular, quarterly arrangement that seeks to secure joint effort on the comparatively high accident rates in the capital, which both sides believe can be reduced by intelligent and collective attention to the factors influencing the accident statistics.

Bikers experience high injury rates as a user group in the city. Locations of particular concern include Hyde Park Corner; the junction between Liverpool Road and Holloway Road; Farringdon Road; and Old Street – this last one being a particular danger spot for riders.

Cathy, who has professional experience as both a courier and general rider, believes the meeting led to tangible progress. She said “I’m glad TfL are listening to our concerns and committing to work with us to find solutions. Their knowledge of road policy, as well as their understanding of the geographical accident situation across London, especially regarding accident hot spots, combines well with our knowledge of practical riding on those streets. This is a big step forward in relations between London MAG and TfL.”

Keith Prince AM, who has been instrumental in the evolution of this relationship, is pleased with the progress made. “We all agree that the safety situation for leisure, commuter and delivery riders in London is a cause for major concern. I think the relationship between TfL and MAG is a case study in how the motorcycle sector can meaningfully work with officers to find solutions that make sense. Many of the locations require exhaustive assessment of many variables, such as traffic lane arrangements, light phasing and lines of sight. It’s not easy but it can be done, and I think that working with experienced riders means TfL have a very good chance of making the streets safer for the motorcycling community as well as for third parties. MAG brings mature comment and ideas to this agenda.”

MAG is also working with TfL to assist with the planned e-scooter pilots in the capital, given their obvious status as powered two wheelers (PTWs). The next meeting will be in June 2021, with subject-specific meetings covering various topics being held between now and then.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org