Motorcyclist Safety in NI: Drivers and Riders Encouraged to Stay Alert

Minister Liz Kimmins with Martyn Boyd as he signs up to Share the Road to Zero community engagement campaign to highlight the dangers for riders on our roads.

Don’t add to the motorcyclist death toll – Share the Road to Zero campaign urges drivers and riders to stay alert

Northern Ireland’s roads have seen a tragic toll of motorcyclist deaths in recent years, prompting renewed calls for vigilance from both drivers and riders.

Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, 51 motorcyclists lost their lives, averaging ten fatalities per year, according to official statistics.

Driver carelessness has been identified as the leading cause of motorcyclist deaths and serious injuries, accounting for around half of all incidents, with the remainder linked to motorcyclist error and other factors.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has stepped up efforts to address this pressing safety issue. Martyn Boyd, representing the Northern Ireland Region of MAG UK, has joined the Share the Road to Zero campaign, a community engagement initiative designed to promote responsible driving and enhance road safety.

Speaking on behalf of MAG, 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.”

With 45 years of motorcycling experience, Martyn emphasised the shared responsibility for road safety:

“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.”

Minister Kimmins also expressed concern over Northern Ireland’s road safety record:

“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.”

The Minister urged drivers to remain vigilant:

“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.”

The Share the Road to Zero campaign has gained support from several high-profile figures, including Olympian Ciara Mageean, Liverpool and Northern Ireland footballer Conor Bradley, senior women’s footballer Emily Wilson, Ulster Rugby stars Jacob Stockdale, Nick Timoney, and Michael Lowry, Ulster GAA player Rory Grugan, and the Belfast Giants.

By joining forces, drivers, riders, and the wider community are encouraged to take shared responsibility for road safety, helping to prevent further tragedies on Northern Ireland’s roads.