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Printable versionA6 between Bedford and Luton
This is a summary of the preliminary findings of a highway safety engineer on motorcycle casualties on the A6 between the A421 junction, south of Bedford and the Luton Borough boundary, produced by Bedfordshire Highways.
1. Route Description
The section of route considered by this summary is the A6 between the A421 junction, south of Bedford and the Luton Borough boundary (approximate length 30 kms).
The majority of this section of the A6 is two-way single-carriageway (approximately 23.7 kms). Dual carriageway sections are provided at Deadman’s Hill, south of Clophill roundabout and along the Barton bypass. With the exception of passing through Clophill village, this section of the A6 is generally bounded by rural land.
2. Motorcycle Casualties
Between 1st January 2002 and 31st December 2006, there were 15 personal injury collisions recorded in which a motorcyclist was injured on this section of the A6. Of these five riders sustained serious injuries whilst the remaining ten received slight injuries.
3. Why did these accidents happen?
About half of the personal injury collisions recorded appear to be the result of rider error.
Only one collision took place when it was wet and dark, a further collision occurred on a wet road surface during daylight hours. There were no common factors in the locations, days or times that these accidents occurred.
Of the collisions:
· 8 were the result of rider error
· 7 were the result of driver error
The main causes were:
· A rider losing control of their vehicle
· Drivers failing to observe motorcyclists
· Overtaking manoeuvres
4. Preliminary Recommendations
Preliminary recommendations to improve motorcycle safety on this route include a range of education, enforcement and engineering measures, as follows:
Education and Enforcement
· Generally, encourage advanced rider training to improve riders skills in bike control and hazard awareness
Engineering
· Maintain route to remove overgrown vegetation and fill pothole
· Provide a 40 mph speed limit through Clophill village
· Improve signing of the bends at Deadman’s Hill
Engineering measures recently completed
· Deadman’s Hill northbound resurfaced to improve skid resistance
5. Rider Consultation
The views of motorcyclists are being sought, from riders who either ride this route regularly, or who may choose the ride the route specifically to provide feedback for the purpose of this safety study.
The form for riders’ feedback can be downloaded here (in Word).
A6 Motorcyclists Feedback form
Riders were invited to ride the route and give feedback to engineers one Saturday in August. This feedback has been reviewed by engineers, and both the riders feedback together with the engineer's comments may be viewed here.
General report from A6 Safety Ride Event (Word document)
Riders Feedback from A6 Safety Ride with engineer's comments. (Word document)