Statistics show that Swedish motorcyclists have already reached the Vision Zero goals. The riders have reduced their death toll by 40 percent since 2018 by building their own safety culture.

FEMA member SMC has made great efforts over the past years to increase road safety among motorcyclists and to create a safety culture, Some examples are information to motorcyclists, advanced training, struggling to change the road maintenance regulations to reduce accident risk and standardization of protective clothing and helmets. The Swedes have also initiated and participated in research. SMC’s operations are largely financed solely by membership fees.

Swedish Motorcyclists’ Association SMC always states that it isn’t dangerous to ride a motorcycle if you do everything right, although it will never be risk free. As a rider you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries dramatically by getting a valid license before riding a bike, always ride sober without using alcohol or/and illegal drugs, choose a motorcycle with modern technology such as ABS and always use a good protective gear and helmet. Finally, if you ride at a reasonable speed and interact with other traffic, you can reduce the risk further. This is something every motorcyclist knows.

Jesper Christensen, general secretary of SMC: “I am happy and proud that we managed to achieve the goals for Zero Vision on our own. SMC has created a safety culture among the Swedish riders in the motorcycle community through information, training and advocacy. Swedish motorcyclists are safety conscious and we want to come home safe to the ones we love – like all other road users.”

Jesper continues: “When you ask a motorcyclist where they formed their safety awareness, the answer is within the motorcycle community. Friends, the motorcycle club, advanced courses, magazines, websites, social media, forums and other places where SMC is playing an active part.”

Top photograph courtesy of Tina Malm