Barcelona City Council and the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) join forces to tackle the matter of accidents involving motorbikes and mopeds
The two entities are promoting a series of measures that will enable the number of accidents affecting the two types of vehicles to be reduced.
Barcelona City Council and the DGT have joined forces to present a united front in the fight against accidents linked to motorbikes and mopeds. The two entities have signed an agreement in which they commit to implement a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the safety of these vehicles. The agreement was signed on Monday 19 December at Ca l’Alier, in the presence of a representative from each of the two organisations: Laia Bonet, Third Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Mobility, on behalf of the City Council, and Pere Navarro, Director-General of the DGT.
A lot of motorbikes in Barcelona
According to data provided by the City Council, 33% of the vehicles in Barcelona are motorbikes, and 86% of drivers/ riders who are seriously injured are motorcyclists. So far this year, 16 motorcyclists have died in accidents in the city.
The importance of a good understanding of motorcyclists as a group
The agreement represents a commitment to carrying out studies and surveys to analyse mobility, assess compliance with regulations, and check the effectiveness of measures applicable to motorbike and moped users. To this effect, both entities will be able to gain a better understanding of the sector.
Studies will also be undertaken to differentiate the characteristics and number of accidents involving motosharing users and tourist mobility, and to detail the use of these vehicles by courier, delivery and e-commerce companies. These actions will enable a set of indicators relating to motorbike and moped traffic to be obtained, so that progress can be made on devising measures to prevent accidents. Last, the agreement also envisages field work focusing on rider behaviour among motorcyclists, for example wearing a crash helmet or using a mobile phone.
Two lines of action
The agreement includes plans to run pilot projects aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving these types of vehicles, by approaching the issue from two perspectives. The first is rider/ driver behaviour, the aim here being to provide training courses, practical demonstrations, safe driving classes, etc.
Barcelona City Council and the DGT also plan to focus on technological innovation through projects that make it possible to introduce technological systems that support motorbike riders, and identify accident black spots. The recently established urban mobility LAB, which is also linked to the Fira de Barcelona, will be one of the ways of seeking solutions for the sector.
Urban challenge award
Within the framework of this agreement, Barcelona City Council, BIT Habitat Foundation, Fira de Barcelona and the DGT will be announcing the launch of the Urban Challenge Award for the reduction of motorcycle-related accidents in January. Prize money will total 100,000 euros in subsidies.
