Rider casualties down

Motorcycle road casualties have fallen 8% in a year according to latest government figures published today.

The fatality rate for motorcyclists fell even more by 16% between 2007 and 2008, while serious rider casualties were down 10%.

The figures also show number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in 2008 was 7% lower than the average for 1994-1998 while motorcycle traffic was up 33%.

It means the rate of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured has dropped 30% in the same period.