The government aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Luxembourg's roads, according to Minister for Mobility and Public Works François Bausch. A group of measures in that endeavour belong to the new action plan for motorcyclists, as presented by the minister.
The goal is to adopt new measures to discourage motorcyclists' speeding. One of the measures consists of special road markings for motorcycles on the N25 between Wiltz and Kautenbach, as well as on the CR342 between the N7 and Rodershausen. These are supposed to help motorcyclists keep a safe distance from the centre line. In addition, the police will increase traffic checks. Bausch added that the government wants to offer the police other means as well to curb motorcyclist speeding. He explained that, in neighbouring countries, the police can drive unmarked motorcycles with integrated cameras. As a result, he suggested that the law should be changed to catch people without them knowing the police are monitoring their speed.
[The above promotional video highlights the point that roads are not race tracks and death could be hiding behind every corner of the road, if driving recklessly.]
Bausch expressed the wish that motorcyclists would refrain from putting themselves or others in danger. The police will also be equipped with twelve new radars. As of 8 April, the Ministry for Mobility will launch an awareness campaign, which focuses on speeding and the attached risks.
The new road markings have been designed to make motorcyclists aware of how they are positioned on the road. Ideally, motorcyclists should question whether they are at a safe distance from the centre line in order to avoid collisions with oncoming traffic. The campaign builds on that and communicates that you are of course free to drive where you wish, but you be should think about safety. Reckless driving means that death could be around any corner. Bausch highlighted that the road is not a race track, so people should drive at reasonable speeds.
A further measure is to make particularly dangerous spots safer, for instance by adding crash barriers. Another plan is to extend the training that motorcyclists receive: the new road markings have been included into basic motorcycle training now, but other elements are also likely to be added, said Bausch. "Fit for your bike" days should be extended to ensure that motorcyclists now how they should behave on their bikes.
The minister added that his hope for the future was a more positive report on motorcyclists' road safety.
