DocBike Launches a Campaign to Buck the Trend in Springtime Biker Fatalities

by | Jan 24, 2021 | DocBike UK

Every year, motorcycle fatalities peak in the springtime. This may be because motorcyclists are a bit rusty after not riding much over the winter period, because other road users are not used to seeing bikes out on the roads, or most likely a combination of both.

This year, we are worried that this annual spike may be magnified by the lockdown periods over the past 12 months.

The problem is, the human brain is not very good at ‘seeing’ small objects travelling towards it at speed. The most common collision on the Dorset roads, occurs when another vehicle pulls into the path of a motorcycle which is unable to stop in time.

In Dorset, it is traditional for road signs to go up around the county in the springtime to warn road users to look out for motorcycles. This year, DocBike has been given the opportunity of using the evidence, research and the psychologists associated with our charity to design signs that will really make a difference in reducing the number of bikers killed or injured on our roads…but we would like your help too!

How can I get involved?

We have designed the road signs below (option 1 and option 2), based upon what our psychologists think will be effective, but we would also really value your feedback by completing our survey. Please be polite and ask your family, friends and colleagues for their thoughts too, this is for all road users not just motorcyclists.

We want to know if you think the signs we have designed stand out.

  • If when you are driving your car / van / lorry, would the sign encourage you to take more time to look for bikes at a junction?
  • If when you are riding your bike, would the sign make you aware that other vehicles might pull out in front of you – for no other reason than they just have not seen you.

Option 1

Option 2

Following feedback from the survey, the chosen road signs will be displayed during March – October 2021. The outcome from this research will be shared nationally, so you may well see these roads signs locally to you.

To get involved, simply complete the survey. Deadline for feedback is 19th February 2021.

Thank you so much for supporting us with our research.

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