§ Mr. Nigel Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of fitting leg protectors to motor bikes.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyConsultation on a draft specification for leg protectors is at an early stage. We are seeking expert comment, especially from motorcycle manufacturers. This may influence the final form of the specification. The cost of protectors will vary according to54W the type of motorcycle, its equipment, the manufacturer's design and production methods. I would expect the additional cost to be usually in the range 3 to 10 per cent. of the cost of a new motorcycle.
Casualty rates for motorcyclists are far higher than for any other group of road users. A large number of serious injuries suffered by motorcyclists are to their legs, often resulting in lengthy hospital treatment. We believe that correctly designed leg protectors will significantly reduce these injuries.