New research has found that when involved in a motorcycle accident with a crash barrier in the UK, the rider is 15 times more likely to be killed than an occupant in a similar type car accident.

The report, 'Barriers to change: designing safe roads for motorcyclists' was produced by an expert panel for the European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP), in conjunction with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and other European experts, who want to have barriers re-designed to consider motorcyclists safety along with other road vehicles. Currently there is no mention of motorcyclists in the European testing standards.

Neil Greig Director of Research at IAM said: “Although riders should take responsibility for their own safety, our road authorities must now ‘Think Bike’ and design crash barriers that give riders protection against the aggressive features that cause devastating injuries.

“France has retro-fitted lower rails to prevent riders hitting support posts at the most vulnerable sites on its road network, leading to rates of return of around 400 per cent. If it can be done in France it must now be done in the UK.”

The report also found that across Europe motorcyclist numbers have increased almost 50% since 1998 to more than 17 million.

Motorcycle accidents are four times more likely to end with a fatality than a cycle accident, and 30 more likely than an occupant in a car accident.

Although motorcyclists account for just 2% of distance travelled across Europe, they account for 16% of road deaths.

Dr Joanne Hill, EuroRAP’s European Programme Director said: “It wouldn’t be possible to install ‘motorcycle friendly barriers’ across a nation’s roads overnight. However the new report shows how some countries are already assessing roads by systematic action to ensure that barriers are made safe for motorcyclists in areas of highest risk. The commitment by governments across Europe is needed to fund these high return safety programmes.”