Sir,
I fully support any action that will reduce the carnage on the island’s roads, but must express concern over the proposed new bill (‘Big bikes out for under-25s’, March 14, 2007). If the government believes that engine power is a significant indicator in motorcycle fatalities, they must also consider the same to be true of other vehicles and introduce a similar ban on under-25s driving powerful cars.
In many countries (the USA, UK, Germany, for example) the greatest increase in motorcycle fatalities is amongst the over-50s – the so-called “born again bikers”. These are (generally) men who had a motorcycle in their youth, married, raised a family who has now left home and, now finding themselves with disposable income, return to biking – generally with more powerful “state of the art” bikes.
Unfortunately, they got their motorcycle licence years ago, and are unprepared for both the power of today’s bikes, the increase in other road use, and the decline in the state of roads.
Training and road user education is, I believe, the way forward. This is almost non-existent in Cyprus.
In many countries today, the levels of skill and knowledge required to pass a bike test are considerably higher than that of a car; this does not appear to be the case here. Many British personnel stationed here take the motorcycle test because it is so much easier than in the UK.
The foundation of motorcycle training is the “life-saver” (checking over the shoulder immediately before making a manoeuvre), but I very rarely see it carried out in Cyprus.
I agree with the confiscation of motorcycles whose driver flouts the law, but will it be applied? The helmet laws are virtually ignored by riders and police alike (unless there’s one of the month-long “clampdowns”). But why should the bike be returned? Why not either scrap it or sell it?
Regarding day-time lights, most motorcycles sold in the EU since 2001 have this following a makers’ voluntary agreement – the lights come on
with the ignition and have no on/off switch.
Does this increase the riders’ visibility?
There has been no significant research into the subject that I am aware of, but I recall reading a letter in a UK magazine written by a biker who had a car pull out in front of him causing an accident. At the time the writer wasn’t on his bike, he was at work driving a fire-engine with siren and flashing lights when he heard the legendary phrase “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”.
Further, I do believe that MOT testing for motorcycles must be introduced; along with basic training for motorcyclists BEFORE they are allowed to take a motorcycle on the road.
In a five-year survey conducted by the Metropolitan Police into accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles – the vast majority were caused by a car driver turning into the path of a motorbike – clearly demonstrating that cars are more dangerous than bikes.
Unfortunately it’s the riders that suffer.
Paul Robert
Ayia Napa
