Don’t add to motorcyclist death toll – Share the Road to Zero 

Statistics have revealed that, on average, 10 motorcyclists are killed on our roads every year. 

Between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2024, 51 motorcyclists lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads, a tragic statistic. 

Driver carelessness is the biggest cause of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries, with half due to motorcyclist error and half due to other factors. 

Motorcycle Action Group’s (MAG) Martyn Boyd has joined the Share the Road to Zero campaign to highlight the dangers. 

Share the Road to Zero is a community engagement initiative, which encourages greater responsibility and care on our roads. Signing up to the campaign on behalf of the NI Region of MAG UK, Martyn Boyd said: “I’m keen to do what I can to help riders stay safe on the road and also enjoy their riding. That is why I am urging drivers to always look out for motorcyclists and to take an extra two seconds to check for us, especially at junctions or making any turns. 

“The pillars by your windscreen can hide a rider so please check around them. It almost happened to me, in my car, not seeing a rider hidden by my windscreen pillar.” 

Martyn, who has been a motorcyclist for 45 years, added: “I have had a few collisions myself and some were my own fault. So, I would also urge riders to always, always be alert for hazards, keep a good lookout, ride in a position that lets you see as much of the road as possible and gives others the best chance to see you. 

“If you think someone may pull out on you, be prepared and take avoiding action yourself, don’t depend on them.” 

Thanking Martyn for signing up to Share the Road to Zero, Minister Kimmins said: “In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week.

“Far too many lives being lost and too many families whose lives are shattered by the worst possible news and evidence shows that motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups.

“It is shocking to hear that 51 motorcyclists were killed here in five years with driver carelessness the biggest cause of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries.

“There are things we can do to improve road safety and as drivers we should always take another look for a motorcyclist before making any manoeuvre.

“Motorcyclists could be approaching faster than you think and can be difficult to see. So we should all take another look when overtaking, parked, when the weather is bad, when turning right or when sitting in traffic.”

Recent signatories to the Share the Road to Zero include Olympian Ciara Mageean, Liverpool and Northern Ireland footballer Conor Bradley, senior women’s footballer Emily Wilson, Ulster Rugby trio Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney, and Michael Lowry, Ulster GAA star Rory Grugan, and Belfast Giants.