The Flemish Foundation for Traffic Knowledge (VSV) has on Sunday, Motorcyclists’ Day, launched a new campaign that urges car drivers to be extra alert for motorcyclists. Half of Flemish car drivers still get surprised by a motorbiker when manoeuvring, shows a survey among 700 drivers by the VSV.
The survey by the VSV also showed that a quarter of the car drivers have already been surprised several times by a motorbike. “These are remarkably often younger drivers,” stated the organisation.
Until 27 April, the VSV is running the new campaign urging car drivers to look twice when they see a motorcyclist. That way, it is easier to estimate the distance and speed of the motorcyclist and accidents can be avoided.
Rising number of accidents
In the port of Antwerp, hundreds of motorcyclists gathered on Sunday. They received guided tours and additional training from the police. In the Antwerp police zone, about a hundred accidents involving a motorbike occur every year, and the number of accidents is increasing rapidly. In 2023, there was a 25 per cent increase compared to 2022 –2024 figures are not yet available.
“Behind every helmet is someone with family and friends who want to see them get home safely”
One in ten deaths and serious injuries in traffic in Flanders concerns motorcyclists, while motorbikers cover less than one per cent of all kilometres. “They may look tough with their helmet and suit, but they remain hugely vulnerable in traffic,” declared Flemish mobility minister Annick De Ridder. “Behind every helmet is someone with family and friends who want to see them get home safely.”
