Motorcycle casualties fall and rise

Motorcycle casualties fell 6% in the 12 months to June 2009 compared to the previous year, new Department for Transport figures show.

But confusingly the figures also show there were 3% more motorcycle casualties in the second quarter of 2009 than during the same period in 2008.

The news is a worrying sign that a dip in motorcycle casualties in 2008 may have begun to turn upward again.

Between July 2008 and June 2009 there were 7% fewer motorcyclists killed or seriously injured and 5% fewer slightly injured than during the previous 12 months, according to the report. However when the three months to June 2009 are compared to the same period in 2008, a 5% rise in deaths and serious injuries and 2% rise in slight injuries is seen.

The three-month year-on-year comparison also shows an alarming rise in cyclist casualties, with deaths and serious injuries up 19%, slight injuries up 7% and all casualties up 9%. The news may be leapt on by cycle lobby groups keen to show the roads have become more dangerous for cyclists since London bus lanes were opened to motorcyclists in January.