In 2021, 3,891 people breathed their last breath on the pavement while riding a motorcycle or moped in European Union. Of these, 90% were men. This figure is 25% lower than 10 years ago, but at the same time, road traffic deaths from other causes have decreased by about 33%, according to a report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

The increased death rate prompted ETSC staff to call on the European Commission and European governments to make anti-lock braking system (ABS) mandatory on all new motorcycles. According to the authors of the report, changes in EU licensing requirements. in 2013 they may have made a decisive contribution to the reduction in deaths, citing the positive impact of age requirements for larger motorcycles.

The minimum age to drive a moped in the EU is now 16, but in some countries it is still possible to drive at 14 without the driver having to pass a practical test. ETSC says that the practical test should be mandatory and that all countries should raise the minimum age for driving a moped in the EU. now 16 years old, but in some countries it is still possible to drive at the age of 14 if they meet the recommended minimum age (16 and over).

Other recommendations in the report state that all motorcycles and mopeds should be subject to mandatory roadworthiness tests and performance checks. The European Commission is currently reviewing vehicle inspection regulations.

National governments should improve enforcement of motorcycle speed limits and drivers should always wear a helmet while riding. Helmet use needs to be improved, especially in countries with very low helmet use, such as Greece and Cyprus. The EU and national governments could also promote a system to inform consumers about the safety features of helmets and other protective equipment such as jackets with airbags.

Car and truck manufacturers also need to improve motorcyclist detection with safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking.

More attention should be paid to couriers, as well as the fact that drivers are distracted by various mobile phone applications. “Motorcyclists have paid less attention to road safety in recent years. But there are quite a few smart and simple steps you can take to reduce the high number of deaths each year. Some of them are obvious, such as the ban on motorcycles for 14-year-olds. It must also ensure that motorcyclists are penalized for speeding in the same way as other road users,” said ETSC Road Safety Program Director Jenny Carson.

^{Source: APE-MEB}