Calls to better protect Dorset's motorbike riders
Five motorcyclists lost their lives in the county in 2021
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.
143 riders were seriously injured in crashes on Wiltshire and Hampshire's roads in 2021 - with five killed.
Motorcyclists account for just 1-3% of road users, yet they represent 13% of casualties and a staggering 20% of deaths.
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.
Research from the charity has found 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.
A government spokesperson said:
“We want motorcyclists on UK roads to be safe, which is why we have zero-rated VAT for helmets, and promote THINK!’s motorcycling strategy to raise awareness about the steps drivers and motorcyclists can both do to prevent crashes.”