Bike casualties down

Motorcycle casualties fell 4% in 2009 despite a 2% rise in bike traffic.

Government figures released today show the number of both fatal and serious motorcycle casualties was 4% lower than the year before.

Fatalities fell from 493 to 472 while serious injuries went from 5556 to 5350.
All motorcycle casualties also fell 4%, to 20,703.

Meanwhile deaths of all road users fell 12%. Car users saw a 16% drop and cyclists 10%.