As well as analysing STATS19 and complimentary data for various local authorities, we are also leading a national longitudinal study of the BikeSafe scheme. Starting in April 2014, the three study has collected baseline data about the behaviour, attitudes and demographics of BikeSafe attendees, tracking them in the 12 months and 24 months after attending a BikeSafe workshop.
The purpose of the evaluation is to determine if BikeSafe meets its key aim of referring at least 20% of attendees to accredited post-test training within a year of workshop attendance. Additionally, the study can be used to understand the motivations of a sub-set of riders and whether or not BikeSafe attracts the riders most in need.
Analysis of the pre-workshop data of 1,786 riders explored the socio-demographic profiles of attendees, including being the first study to re-create the TRL/Christmas segmentation of motorcyclists. As with the STATS19, the results show that motorcyclists are not homogenous but it did show that it was attracting riders who would benefit from some support:
• 24% are new riders whilst 15% are ‘born again’ riders
• 81.4% had not previously undertaken BikeSafe or post-test training
• 27% admitted to speeding, 5% to committing traffic violations (such as overtaking on double white lines or jumping red lights) and 10% admitted to both.
• Some of the same over-represented socio-demographic groups involved FSC attend BikeSafe.
• However, some of the other over-represented casualty groups do not attend. They have characteristics that might indicate that BikeSafe is not for them, demonstrating that one solution is not appropriate for all riders.