The Motorcycle Review Committee's report on findings is now public and has been presented to government for review.
The Motorcycle Review Committee was formed last year in response to concerns about motorcycle insurance rates in Saskatchewan. SGI invited representatives from various groups in the motorcycle community, or connected to it, to participate.
The report is the culmination of an extensive review undertaken by SGI and the Motorcycle Review Committee to examine key factors impacting motorcycle rates, with the primary goal of saving lives and preventing injuries.
"Thank you to the Motorcycle Review Committee members for their hard work and commitment to improving motorcycle safety," said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. "The committee members' insights and experiences have been extremely valuable and we have developed a much stronger set of possible actions as a result."
During the review, the Motorcycle Review Committee considered a number of proposals put forward by SGI and committee members, statistical and program analysis provided by SGI, and feedback from the public. The report on findings includes a number of initiatives being put forward for government consideration including: increased requirements for acquiring a motorcycle learner's licence
Incentives for new riders to take training; additional mandatory gear for new riders and their passengers; motorcycle inspections prior to registering a total loss motorcycle or a used motorcycle most recently registered in another jurisdiction; changes to the Safe Driver Recognition (SDR) program, specific to motorcycles; stiffer penalties in SGI's driver improvement programs for all drivers and riders; and possible insurance coverage options.
"Though we likely wouldn't see the full impact of any changes for a few years, the initiatives outlined in this report have the potential to reduce motorcycle deaths and injuries by 20%," said Cartmell. "This review has also helped draw attention to the fact that motorcycles are more vulnerable than other vehicles, and we all need to pay extra attention when sharing the road."
The government is now reviewing the report to determine which initiatives will be implemented.
