For years, we have called them “cheese cutters” – and with good reason.
Now one of the UK’s leading road safety organisations, IAM RoadSmart, is calling for controversial wire rope barriers on dual carriageways and motorways to be removed.
These cable barriers were designed to protect vehicle occupants by absorbing impact and redirecting cars back into lane. But for motorcyclists, the outcome can be devastating.
In a high-speed collision, the exposed steel cables and unprotected posts can cause catastrophic injuries. Riders have long argued the risks are simply too high.
IAM RoadSmart says around 150 miles of these barriers still remain across England and is urging Government to replace them with safer systems that include motorcyclist protection – including shielded posts and more rider-friendly designs.
The figures are sobering:
🏍️ 76% of fatalities or serious injuries involving these barriers are riders or passengers on two wheels
🏍️ Motorcyclists are 33 times more likely than car occupants to be involved in a fatal single-barrier collision
🏍️ Rider fatalities have risen by 8% despite overall road deaths falling
Countries including Norway have already removed wire rope barriers from their roads.
At 2 Wheels, we know riders accept risk every time we swing our leg over a bike. But road infrastructure should never unnecessarily increase that danger.
Safer roads shouldn’t just be designed around cars.
They should protect everyone who uses them.
#2Wheels #MotorcycleSafety #RoadSafety #VisionZero #SafeSystem #BikerSafety #RideSafe