IN the face of mounting motorcycle casualties, safety advocate Tarik Kiddoe has stepped forward publicly with four suggestions to help reduce fatalities.

“I held two workshops in September and asked for feedback, which was more than positive,” said Kiddoe, a businessman and avid motorcycle enthusiast.

As many of the fatalities stem from head injuries, Kiddoe believes proper education on the use and importance of the helmet, along with added legislation will help increase its use. The current rules demand that the motorcyclist wear helmets, but many fail to strap them on correctly or just rest them on their heads.

“Accident statistics and safety data indicate that a helmet that is not properly affixed and buckled serves no purpose. The ultimate solution is to make this behaviour a lesser offence,” he said.

The second issue is where riders create their own lane between rows of traffic, otherwise called lane-splitting. Kiddoe’s solution for this is legislation. He feels it must be properly defined in the Road Traffic Act (RTA) as well as the rules under which it operates, adopting the parameters set out in a 2014 study from the University of California, Berkeley. In their words, the speed and direction of the motorcycle are set to minimise any potential for a fatal accident, but still respect the mobility of the motorcycle.

His third and fourth suggestions come from his own experience.

“Education,” he explained.

Rider training needs to be attacked from both a governmental and private level.

“Lawmakers should create a framework for implementation of an optional Advanced Rider Training Course.”

This course would be handled by the Island Traffic Authority and would exempt those that complete it from the standard practical test. There would also be third- party training schools. Those selling new and used motorcycles would also support these schools via referrals.

“A large number of motorcycles are imported by persons who not only have no motorcycle endorsement on the driver’s licence, but also have no training whatsoever to operate the machine.”

The ITA would provide motorcycle buyers with an informational packet that lists the official training centres and instructors across the island. This would be available at all motorcycle shops, at customs offices for those doing private single imports, and at tax offices.

“It’s my hope that eventually a committee will be created to address the needs of the motorcycle rider from which their suggestions would become amendments to the RTA in the future.”

Since the start of the year, 38 persons have lost their lives on the roads. Of that number 20 are bikers. Last year, 111 bikers were numbered in the toll of 380.