September 2009
Good News on Motorcycle Bike Safety
Ian Kerr reports, Latest UK Government figures for road casualties in 2008 have recently been published, they show a very positive downtrend for motorcycle fatalities and injuries. (Department for Transport. Transport Statistics Bulletin: Road Casualties in Great Britain - Main Results 2008) This document is always a year behind, but shows that almost a hundred fewer motorcyclists were killed on Britain's roads in 2008 compared to the previous year. The official figures now show that over the same period motorcycle use has increased over 44 per cent, which put another way, mile-for-mile, motorcycling is becoming safer. This good news is backed up when looked at in percentage terms, 16% in the number of motorcycle fatalities is a greater reduction than for all road users. The Institute of Couriers believes that this welcome fall is a result of many organisations working together. Courier Companies are working towards a wider awareness of all road users, recognising the vulnerability of motorcyclists as well as better rider training and safer machines for motorcyle couriers.
However the new motorcycle riding test fiasco which started in April, has resulted in trainees suffering injuries whilst attempting the 'swerve test', calling for it to be banned. After a lot of protests from all sectors of the training and motorcycle industry the Government has finally launched an official inquiry! The future numbers of motorcycle couriers will be reduced reports Ian Kerr. The riding test fiasco is not the whole story and not as important as the imposing restrictions on their way from Europe for the year 2013. Without getting too technical about all the various options, the changes could mean that learner riders may lose the right to ride unaccompanied and then have to go through various stages to get to ride a big shaft drive bike.This would mean that a 'Learner' would need to find a qualified instructor each time they wanted to go for a ride until they passed their test. The training ground of many a young rider comes from his or her ability to practise on their own as well as with a qualified instructor. This will affect the small motorcylce market including the electric two wheelers. If it becomes too difficult to get a licence people won't bother, potentially resulting in a big down turn in new motorcycle couriers in the next five years.
June 2009
Skills for Logistics Urges Employers to Make the Most of Driver CPC
According to an employer consultation by Skills for Logistics (SfL), courier & logistics businesses welcome the opportunity to develop the skills of their drivers through the new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Results indicate that companies see the training legislation as an opportunity to encourage drivers to update their skills and improve road safety.
Key findings are that:-
89% of respondents think it will lead to an increase in the economic awareness of drivers, for example, in terms of fuel savings and reduction in vehicle wear and tear
87% see a potential benefit in improvements in road safety
81% see a potential increase in environmental awareness of drivers.
The main criticism from employers is that the Driver CPC is not sufficiently prescriptive, needing 35 hours of Periodic Training in 5 years, but with no legal requirement for assessment. SfL believes that there is a real opportunity for business to benefit from this required training if employers approach it in the right way and seek training that includes assessment.
Dr Ross Moloney, Head of Intelligence at Skills for Logistics comments: “Driver CPC will ultimately have an impact on the professionalism of the HGV Driver. More enlightened employers can see that there are real opportunities to develop the skills of the workforce and to benefit the business.
“Those that are already training their staff can align this to the Driver CPC. If training is developed appropriately some of it can go towards certified qualifications such as the Scottish / National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs), so the individual benefits from getting a vocationally recognised qualification. There is a great opportunity for employers to make the Driver CPC work for their business needs and to develop driver’s skills.”
The results of the employer consultation are central to SfL’s response to the Driving Standards Agency Consultation - Driver Certificate of Professional Competence scheme - improvements to administrative arrangements.
Employers participating in the survey demonstrated awareness of the forthcoming training legislation, with 98% of those questioned aware of the requirements..
Skills for Logistics - Who are they?
Skills for Logistics is the Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industries. It is a registered charity and an independent, UK-wide organisation run for employers, by employers, to tackle the skills and productivity needs of the logistics sector. It is owned and led by the industry and has the active backing of over 100 of the UK's top freight transport businesses as well as the leading trade bodies and Trade Unions. Chief Executive, Dr Mick Jackson is a fellow of the Institute of Couriers. Key support comes from The British Association of Removers, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the British International Freight Association, the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association, the Transport and General Workers Union, the UK Warehousing Association and the United Road Transport Union all support the organisation.
Skills for Logistics' programmes include work-based qualifications and Apprenticeships for a wide range of occupations across the sector, Cary & Deliver Goods is a particular focus for the same day courier industry. Industry based degrees and school careers and curriculum materials demonstrating the importance of Logistics to the nation are promoted widely. Skills for Logistics has also developed the Professional Development Stairway. This sets out a comprehensive framework of training and learning for the freight logistics industries.
April 2009
What? Practical wheels for the courier. Steady on Yamaha
Budget ink still wet in the red box and Yamaha bring talk of practical wheels for the bike courier. Road race replica R Us in days long lost from the time of the CX500, Kawasaki GT550 and RS250 Honda single that delivered the courier through the eighties. News in from Yamaha of a two fifty single, practical and economical. Institute Of Couriers have asked Ian Kerr for a true review but meanwhile here is what Yamaha says.
The YBR250 has been available in Europe before, however it’s only now, following on from customer demand, that Yamaha have decided to introduce it into their model line up for this year.
Imported in limited numbers, this stylish single cylinder 250 four-stroke motorcycle is the perfect answer for those riders who like geared bikes, but also want to bridge the gap between a 125 and 600cc machinery. The YBR250 is economical, attracts low insurance premiums, is easy to ride and with its comtempory design, has a low seat height (805mm) too.
Priced at £3399 (plus road fund license and first registration fee) and available in silver or black, the YBR will be in authorised Yamaha dealer’s showrooms now. What is Ian Kerr going to say about this?
