German universities are teaming up with rider training schools from across the EU to improve safety through better tuition. 36 schools have signed up to work alongside the Ludgwig Maximillian University of Munich, the Wurzburg Institute of Traffic Sciences, the Institute of Motorcycle Safety and Traffic Accident Research at TU Dresden – all of the schools already have the European Motorcycle Training Quality Label.

The group will use accident analysis to train motorcycle instructors in the cognitive and riding skills necessary to avoid accidents, and its research will be offered to all training schools, free of charge. Jesper Christensen of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) said: “Modern scooters offering advanced safety training are embracing a stronger approach towards cognitive skills and the understanding that accidents involving riders may start well before the crash occurs. The development of a high-quality training concept using a solid academic approach based on real-world data is warmly welcomed.”

BMF Chair Jim Freeman concurred and hoped that the research would also be offered to UK training schools. “As Jesper has highlighted, most accidents are the result of behaviour long established, unfortunately riders are only part of the equation, other road users, particularly car drivers and cyclists are in at least as much need of education.”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of The Ride Academy