New SAFER partner project aims to save lives – with focus on two-wheelers
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles account for a significant share of serious road traffic injuries and fatalities worldwide – especially in low- and middle-income countries, where they are often used as everyday transport. A new research collaboration is now launching to develop principles for a safe transport system for motorcyclists, with the goal of significantly reducing deaths and serious injuries.
The project, “Safe System Principles for MC”, is based on the recognition that the global goal to halve the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries cannot be achieved without dedicated efforts to improve motorcycle safety. With a global perspective, the project will identify the necessary requirements for vehicles, road infrastructure, protective equipment, and speed limits to ensure a genuinely safe environment for riders.
One of the key outcomes of the project will be guidance on appropriate speed limits, taking into account the diverse transport needs of motorcyclists – from daily commuting to recreational riding. The project has the potential to influence both national and international road safety strategies.
The project is carried out by an international consortium with strong representation from both academia and industry. From SAFER, the partners include Strandroth Inc, Autoliv, and the Swedish Transport Administration, alongside MIROS, the University of Florence, iRAP, and Lösningar AB. It is funded by the Swedish Transport Administration and will run from February 2025 to March 2026, with a total budget of SEK 1.8 million.
This initiative is an important step toward integrating two-wheeler safety into the global road safety agenda – an area where the need is great and the potential to save lives is high.
