Female motorcyclists used to be an unfamiliar sight, but last year more than 10,500 women took their motorcycle training practical test, meaning that they account for around 1 in 5 motorcyclists on Britain’s roads today.
The Post Office survey highlighted the top reasons for women getting their leathers on. 14% said they would swap their car for a motorbike in order to save cash in this harsh economic climate. Motorbikes use less fuel while travelling than most other transport. Other reasons included a wish to help the planet and live a greener lifestyle, as well as being able to beat traffic and congestion in built up areas.
The rise in female riders has led to speculation that they are to blame for the rising number of motorcycle accidents, which is up 30% in the last 10 years. They are more likely to be inexperienced by their male counterparts and their bodies less sustainable to injury. The rise of women motorcyclists of course causes a correlation with the amount of women involved in accidents; however, it is a mistake to believe they are the cause for a rise in accidents in general.
There has of course been an increase in women involved in motorcycle accidents in proportion to women riders. But women are proven to be safer drivers than men in general. At present though men are 7 times more likely to take a ride on their motorcycle than women, it is 15 times more likely for this to result in an accident. Women receive enhanced further training as they are more likely to take part in proficiency courses and advanced rider development training after they have passed their test.
It is in fact born-again bikers that are to blame for the increase in accidents. Men in their 30s and 40s who have not held a license for a while are returning to biking in a possible attempt to relive their youth. They are now equipped with the money to invest in a far more powerful bike on which they are inexperienced and unequipped to handle safely. They are currently the target of a 10 year road safety campaign to cut deaths.
If you have been involved in a motorbike accident and are considering making a motorbike accident claim or a motorcycle injury claim then get in touch with a specialist lawyer
