TL:DR: The United Nations’ latest global road safety strategy calls on governments to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Highlighting the urgent need to create safer roads for motorcyclists in the UK and worldwide, the UN champions the Safe System approach to upgrading traffic infrastructure, training, and rider protection.
When the UN calls on global governments to create safer roads for motorcyclists, our ears prick up. Rider behaviour is only one part of the road safety puzzle. The environment we ride in, the equipment we use, and the training for two and three-wheeled transport also play a role.
Addressing the riding environment with proactive systems that reduce human error is a positive step forward. It’s a core shift we saw earlier this year with the introduction of the UK’s Motorcycle Licensing Reform and the broader move toward a Safe System approach. Now, the UN is throwing its weight behind it too and giving us a hard deadline.
In case you missed our previous blog on licensing reform, this approach aims to create road environments that reduce the impact of human error. Road markings, traffic flow technologies, upgraded road surfaces, and training frameworks all play a part in reducing deaths and serious injuries. It’s about time we waved goodbye to the ‘blame the rider’ culture and focused on mitigating risk for everyone—especially vulnerable road users.
How the UK is already stepping up for rider safety
We still have a way to go, but our local transport bodies, government and national DVSA are already making steps towards meeting the UN’s challenge. Some of our established government-backed initiatives—such as the SHARP rating system—give us great foundations to build on too. Let’s take a look at where we’re at and where we’re headed…
Equipment and standards
Encouraging greater use of certified protective helmets and increasing the use of other protective gear such as gloves, boots, jackets and even airbag systems is part of the challenge. The UK’s existing SHARP helmet rating scheme already answers the first part of the challenge.
This system lets riders easily choose the safest helmet for their budget and ensures any SHARP rated lid exceeds basic British Standards. The simple star rating system makes it easy to choose the best protection. UKCA marks cover other protective motorcycle gear, making it easy to buy the right kit for your ride.
Some UN members are mandating the use of other protective gear—like Spain has done recently by mandating protective gloves and banning flip-flops on two wheels. It’s unlikely to happen here as the Road Safety Strategy consultation hasn’t included rider safety equipment. Helping riders choose adequate gear with clear rating systems should be enough.
Innovative infrastructure
The Perceptual Rider Information for Motorcyclists Enhancement (PRIME) trialled in Scotland hit our headlines earlier this year. These gateway chevrons help riders position themselves for twists and turns on unknown roads. The nudge technology has already reduced accidents for riders there and is being rolled out across the rest of the UK as we speak.
The best way to understand PRIME road markings is to see them in action. This YouTube short shows you exactly what to expect:
Road surface and infrastructure funding
Road markings aside, it’s no secret that UK tarmac leaves a lot to be desired in terms of making safer roads for motorcyclists in the UK. Action is already underway in this area too.
£7.3 billion has been put aside for local highway maintenance over the next four years. A RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating system and annual transparency reports are keeping local councils in check to make sure funds are allocated fairly and used responsibly. In the meantime, getting to grips with the best techniques for riding on poor road surfaces will keep you one step ahead.
Bridging the gap: why situational awareness and mindset training matter more than ever
The UN’s challenge also covers rider education. Moving away from outdated “pass the test and forget” mentalities toward continuous skill development will help us bring down shocking road casualty figures.
Physical machine control—clutch management, slow-speed maneuvering, and emergency braking—will always be fundamental. But physical technique is only half the battle. And it always has been. Complete rider safety includes developing spatial awareness, hazard perception, and the right rider mindset. Now we’re able to help train riders’ minds and physical skills.
Developing nervous system control and situational awareness leads to better riding. Lack of awareness, impatience, overconfidence, and anxiety all compromise decision-making before a physical hazard appears. That’s why modern training must include developing the psychological aspects of riding just as much as the physical inputs.
Navigating diesel spills, sudden road surface changes, and distracted drivers requires high levels of situational awareness. Developing keen hazard awareness used to rely on hours of on-road experience. That’s dangerous and can easily knock confidence. Modern online hazard perception training lets new riders develop greater situational awareness from the comfort and safety of their home.
We’re also integrating mental preparation directly into our training framework to help riders develop self-awareness and situational confidence before they ever sling their leg over a bike. We’re inviting nervous riders to make full use of our Motorcycle Mindset Tool so they can further develop the mental skills needed for confident motorcycle handling.
Combining advanced physical techniques with dedicated tools to build mental resilience helps riders learn how to read the road defensively, manage risk in real time, and ride with quiet confidence. If you’re planning your next step on two wheels, explore how mindset matters when transitioning to a full motorcycle licence—it’ll transform the way you develop as a rider.
FAQs about making safer roads for motorcyclists in the UK
The Safe System approach accepts that human beings occasionally make mistakes on the road. Instead of blaming only rider or driver error, this framework asks for road designs with a forgiving infrastructure. Features like safer junctions, protective barriers, and specialised road markings, so a simple mistake or momentary lapse doesn’t result in fatal consequences.
The UN’s challenge isn’t legally binding for laws in the UK, but it does heavily influence policy directions set by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the DVSA. UK authorities are already reviewing consultation documents covering moped and motorcycle training frameworks. They’re looking at potential time limits or caps on repeated CBT renewals and changes to the progressive licensing route that would cut repetitive testing so they can encourage riders to progress to full licences and continuous skill development.
Yes. Physical infrastructure upgrades take time to roll out nationwide. Rider skill and training give you immediate control over your safety. By combining advanced physical riding techniques with high situational awareness, mental preparedness, and hazard perception, you learn to read poor road surfaces, anticipate danger early, and work within your limits to adapt your road positioning before a hazard turns into an incident.
Shaping the future of UK road safety
The UN’s 2030 strategy acknowledges that it requires a united effort to really create safer roads for motorcyclists in the UK and globally. Infrastructure upgrades, data-driven helmet ratings, and intelligent road markings like PRIME are important pieces of the puzzle. But rider development is the tool that’s most within our control when it comes to protecting ourselves on the road.
While the country moves toward the Safe System approach, taking control of your training and building a resilient mindset will set you up for a lifetime of confident, enjoyable riding.
Whether you’re preparing to take your first steps on two wheels or are ready for a CBT upgrade to a full licence, we’ve got the courses, resources and skills to get you where you want to go with confidence. Explore our motorcycle training courses today and make the most of our rider training resources.
