Newly released government statistics reveal a worrying trend on Britain’s roads: motorcycle fatalities have risen by 8% in 2024, underscoring the vulnerability of two-wheeled riders and the urgent need for renewed action in road safety. While modest reductions in deaths among car occupants and cyclists offer some encouragement, they are overshadowed by the rise in motorcyclist casualties—a stark reminder that current road safety measures remain insufficient.
GEM Motoring Assist, the UK’s long-standing breakdown and road safety organisation, is urging a renewed focus on collaborative responsibility among all road users. Motorcyclists continue to face disproportionately high risks compared with other modes of transport, with the latest figures highlighting the pressing need for greater awareness among drivers, improved training for both riders and motorists, and decisive action to help people make safer choices on every journey.
James Luckhurst, GEM’s Head of Road Safety, emphasised the scale of the challenge: “This increase in motorcycle fatalities should serve as a wake-up call. The 1% reduction in overall road casualties is still not good enough. We are calling on the national government to step up, demonstrate strong leadership, and deliver the long-promised national road safety strategy without delay.”
Luckhurst stresses that achieving safer roads requires a commitment from everyone. “Reducing road casualties is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Whether as drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, or passengers, we all have the opportunity to make a difference. By observing speed limits, avoiding distractions, wearing seatbelts, and showing courtesy to other road users, each of us contributes to protecting lives and making journeys safer.”
Founded in 1932, GEM Motoring Assist has long championed the principles of care, concentration, and courtesy on the roads. These core values remain central to the organisation’s message today: road safety is not solely the responsibility of policymakers or law enforcement—it depends on every individual making conscious, careful decisions each time they travel.
As the government considers its next steps, GEM is calling for immediate action and a collaborative approach that prioritises the safety of Britain’s most vulnerable road users. For motorists and motorcyclists alike, vigilance, consideration, and responsible behaviour are the simplest yet most effective measures to prevent further tragedies.
