Call for bikers to have basic training

MOTORCYCLISTS allowed on the road without proper training are endangering their lives and the lives of others, say the Irish Rider’s Training Association (IRTA).

The warning from one of the country’s leading training centres came as three motorcyclists were killed in separate accidents in the past two days. IRTA said basic training is a minimum requirement to help cut the high death rate amongst motorcyclists.

National Safety Council figures issued last week showed an average of one motorcyclist was killed each week on the roads in the first six months of this year. Motorcyclists make up less than 2% of the population but account for 15% of road fatalities each year. IRTA director Tricia Warner said the lack of training was the main reason for the high death rate. She added: “We are doing our best to instil the need for training. Unfortunately, we have a system in this country where you can get a provisional license in the post, go to a bike shop and wobble home on a bike thinking you can ride it.”