Calls to better protect Cumbria's riders

With 88,000 road users injured on UK roads every year, and latest figures showing that 310 motorcyclists were killed on UK roads in 2021- that’s an average of almost six every week- an urgent call has been made to make potentially life-saving air jackets more affordable to riders by granting them a zero per cent VAT rating.

Since 2018 here in Cumbria, there has been 439 casualties, with 14 motorcyclists losing their lives in biking accidents. 89% of those casualties were men, most of them between 25-59.

Motorcyclists account for just 1-3% of road users, yet they represent 13% of casualties and a staggering 20% of deaths. Today road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is launching a campaign to address the disproportionate risks faced by motorcyclists on UK roads.

The campaign emphasises the need for affordable air jackets as a crucial safety measure for riders. The charity is urging the government to understand the significance of 0% VAT on air jackets. These jackets inflate in a fraction of a second after a rider falls from a motorcycle, providing over 50 times the protection to the neck and spine compared to standard back protectors used by some riders. This exemption will not only enhance the safety of motorcyclists but also make advanced technology more accessible.

Despite advancements in safety technology and personal protective equipment (PPE), sadly the ongoing cost of living crisis means affordability remains a major concern for bikers, with research from the charity finding that almost two thirds (64%) of riders believe that the cost of protective wear prevents them from purchasing items that could drastically improve their safety. Market analysis also estimates that only around 1-in-20 motorcyclists actually own an air jacket.

No VAT is charged on motorcycle helmets and IAM RoadSmart is calling for air jackets to be considered equally important. 70 percent of all road users agree, including car, van, and lorry users.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.