Seventy per cent of motorcyclists have never received any former driving instruction leading to their over-representation in road deaths, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said today.
Announcing the start of a public consultation process on compulsory basic training for motorcyclists, RSA chief Noel Brett pointed out that bikers represent less than 2 per cent of the vehicle population but account for 12 per cent of road deaths.
Compulsory basic training will require all learner motorcyclists to undergo driving education before being issued with a licence.
"The objective of the consultation process is to engage those involved in motorcycle instruction and other interested parties in discussion as to how compulsory basic training for learner motorcycle riders might be shaped in Ireland," Mr Brett added.
The consultative process will last for eight weeks with the closing date for submissions on Friday April 27th next.
Comments can be emailed to cbt@rsa.ie orcan be posted to CBT Consultation Process, Road Safety Authority, Government Offices, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Motorcycle instructors wishing to deliver compulsory basic training must become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). A scheme for the regulation of ADIs is being finalised following a consultation process that started in June 2006.
