[PR] Consultation on Compulsory Basic Training for Motorcyclists Launched by RSA

Victor

http://www.rsa.ie/NEWS/News/Consultation_on_Compulsory_Basic_Training_for_Motorcyclists.html

Consultation on Compulsory Basic Training for Motorcyclists Launched by RSA

Today (March 1st, 2007) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has launched a consultation process in relation to the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for motorcyclists.

CBT will require all learner motorcyclists to undergo initial basic training before being issued with a licence.

“The objective of the consultation process is to engage those involved in motorcycle instruction and other interested parties in discussion as to how Compulsory Basic Training for learner motorcycle riders might be shaped in Ireland.” stated Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority.

“Unfortunately motorcyclists are over represented when it comes to death in injury on Irish roads. Motorcycles represent less than 2% of the vehicle population however motorcycle riders account for 12% of road deaths. That means they are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than any other road user.” He added.

“One way we can ensure motorcyclists are prepared for a life on two wheels is to make sure they are properly trained before they become road users. At the moment roughly 7 out of 10 bikers have never received any formal rider training.” said Mr. Brett.

As part of the consultation process a document has been developed which sets out the proposals for CBT, taking account of experience and best practice in other countries, however, the feedback based on the knowledge and experience of the many stakeholders in Ireland can make a major contribution to a final scheme of CBT. Copies of the consultation document can be found on the RSA’s website www.rsa.ie or by contacting the RSA on locall 1890 50 60 80.

The consultative process will last for eight weeks. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 27 April 2007. Comments can be emailed to cbt@rsa.ie or they can be posted to CBT Consultation Process, Road Safety Authority, Government Offices, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

In order to deliver training a competent professional body of motorcycle instructors must be in place and a robust system of accreditation to certify the process is necessary. Therefore, all motorcycle instructors wishing to deliver CBT must firstly become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

A scheme for the regulation of ADI’s is presently being finalised following a consultation process which commenced in June 2006.

Motorcyclists wishing to get copies of the consultation document on CBT or submit views on the proposals may also do so at the RSA’s stand (E19) at the forthcoming Motorbike & Scooter Show from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th March in the RDS.

The RSA wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the informal Working Group on CBT, which provided input to the Department of Transport on this matter.

ENDS

babybundy

sounds good in teory but there should be cbt for car drivers aswell

Steffano2002

Good idea indeed! Good luck setting it up...

Happy I got my license without having to do it! (Although I could have picked up some valuable tips...)

MrPudding

I did my test in the UK and so had to do a CBT. No problem really and I am glad I did it. The CBT was my first time on a bike, I could not imagine heading out on the road on a bike with no training at all.

I would also like to see a CBT for cars. Whatever about the stats for motorcyclist deaths it is insane to allow people onto public road in something that can cause the amount of damage a car can without any conpulsory training.

MrP

Garibaldi

Funny, I can't remember the last time a biker was killed after being hit by another bike. Indeed, CBT is a first step in the right direction, and it's easier to tackle a small group's training, rather than the big group driving the vehicles that squish the small group, but I don't think there'll be much of a long-term change if the big group aren't tackled. Sigh....some day, all these problems will be solved. Probably when we have self-drive cars, in a Minority Report stylee.

faceman

Theres that statistic again, we amount to 2% of road users but 12% of fatalities. However 70% of the time other road users are deemed to be at fault. Its not just learner bikers that need compulsory lessons!!