Here in the Netherlands, at least in the South where I live, there are much more motorcycle accidents then normal. I think Wheelie is right that a lot of new riders or riders that had not been riding for a long time, riding too powerfull bikes now.

I know my father in law used to ride 175cc motorbikes many many years ago, but with his license he is allowed to ride a Hayabusa of a Triumph Rocket III. If people like that start riding big bikes (because they can affort it), it is asking for trouble.

I also think that cardrivers are not used to motorcycles anymore. Maybe because of covid with less motorcycle events or something else. I don't know.

Great Analysis.

I wish there was more of that from our road safety agency here in Ireland-instead of the 'speed kills' finger wagging. It does not seem to suit their agenda to differentiate cause from effect.

I am 100% with you on the training -not just for older adults, but for all. Fast drivers can drive slow, but slow drivers can't drive fast. Also, car skills do not transfer to a bike.

I was a driving instructor and the three factors I identified are:

1. Poor driver skills (coupled with little conception of potential dangers). I only taught learners obviously, but I observe all road users all the time. Driving has gotten noticeably worse post lockdown.
2. Bad urban road design coupled with the proliferation of warning signs (distracting at the very least where greatest danger lies).
3. Bad car design. We know from psychology that increasing safety leads to more risky behaviour.

As an exercise I tried to conceive of a car that would totally disengage the driver from driving. I came up with: improved safety devices to reduce the consequences of bad decisions, insulate and isolate the driver from the conditions and situation, provide distracting electronic toys and phones, provide them with good company and make them toasty warm and comfortable. The modern car turns out to be remarkably similar to the couch beside the fire with the TV on. How often do we fall asleep in this situation?

So from a safety perspective, there is poor skill and judgement across the board, and tiredness and distraction more specifically.

I have thought for some time that to reduce accident s further then there should be a spike fitted to the centre of the steering wheel to increase the distance between cars and spike fitted to the doors so that the driver looks properly before pulling out.