The government must take urgent steps to cut the number of motorcyclist deaths on Britain’s roads, campaigners say.
A number of motorbike-industry organisations are urging ministers to include motorcycle-related questions in every driving test.
Under the current system, learner car drivers can pass their tests without having to answer a single question relating to bikes or bikers.
Online petition
Bike insurance specialist Bennetts has set up an online petition to include motorcycle-related questions as part of the driving test.
The company points out that while bikers make up just 1 per cent of all UK road traffic, they suffer more than 20 per cent of all fatalities.
The theory test does contain some questions relating to motorcycling and how drivers should interact with bikes.
But because questions are chosen at random, there is no guarantee that a candidate will have to answer any of them.
Biker fatalities greater
Hannah Squirrell, marketing director at Bennetts motorbike insurance, said: "With the casualty rate of motorcyclists currently a staggering 61 times greater than that of motorists, something must be done to increase awareness of bikers on our roads.
"The petition has been approved by the government and we need to get at least 100,000 signatures in order to have this raised in the House of Commons.
"Bikers are an important group of road users and it’s essential they are recognised within the driving test.
"If our target is achieved we will organise a fantastic ride-out to deliver our petition to the House of Commons."
The petition is open until 23 June.
Industry support
The campaign has received support from a number of motorbike-industry bodies.
Karen Cole from the Motorcycle Industry Association said: "This is a very simple and sensible change that will make a difference.
"Many road casualties could be avoided if drivers were more aware of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users.
"Even the addition of just one mandatory question in the theory test specifically about motorcycles will force drivers to 'think bike' from a very early stage.
Cole added that this would encourage "good driving habits, which can only be a good thing for both drivers and riders".
The Motorcycle Action Group’s campaigns manager, Paddy Tyson, said including compulsory questions relating to bikers on the driving test was a "simple, cost effective procedure" that could help avoid accidents on the road.
Raising awareness
The petition is the latest attempt to cut the number of motorcyclist deaths in Britain.
Earlier this year, the government launched a £1.2m campaign aimed at encouraging car and lorry drivers to "see the person inside the motorcycle helmet".
This was designed to encourage road users to take a more sympathetic approach when dealing with motorbikes and their riders.
The Motorcycle Industry Association says that drivers should check for bikers when they pull out, when they change lanes, when turning, at junctions, and when pulling in to park.
