Swedish motorcyclists’ association SMC met with the Minister for Infrastructure and presented the motorcyclists’ views on the latest policy document on infrastructure.

The Swedish government plans to present an infrastructure bill to the parliament in the autumn, regarding financial frameworks and the direction for a new planning period. In June of 2023, the Swedish Transport Administration received the task of developing a policy document for the transport infrastructure for 2026–2037.

Here is what Dominique Faymonville, Public Affairs Manager at SMC, said at that meeting:

“SMC is an organisation that represents everyone who rides motorcycles and mopeds. Today we have 65,000 members and SMC’s main task is to work for and guard the road safety of everyone who rides two-wheelers. We see that the document lacks the perspective of two-wheelers and we are concerned that the document does not connect future investments in Swedish infrastructure to the adopted zero vision.”

“As I said, traffic safety is our top priority and much of the orientation document is about making up for delayed maintenance on roads and railways. Delayed maintenance on the road is one of the biggest dangers for us motorcyclists. When roads lack good friction and road edges are loosened, which causes gravel on the roadway, the risk of accidents is high. Therefore, we believe that the Swedish Transport Administration, just as stated in the documentation, needs to focus on making up for the maintenance debt that currently exists on Swedish roads. On the other hand, it is worrying that the Swedish Transport Administration themselves write that, despite the proposed 20% increase, it will be difficult to cope with all delayed maintenance, planned maintenance and also planned and new projects. Therefore, the government must ensure that the financial framework proposed to the parliament is sufficient.”

“It is important to also consider the needs of two-wheelers before future planning. Examples of this are the new proven and prized road markings in curves that exist in several countries such as Scotland and Austria which result in a sharp reduction in motorcycle rider fatalities. But also funds for research and development of new centre rails on the way. We know that all road users benefit from separating traffic in order to reduce accidents, but this cannot be done at the expense of the safety of road users on two wheels.”

“For us at SMC, as for others, the zero vision is important. In order to reach it, it is required that the backlog and the planned maintenance on the road take into account the needs of MC road users already in the planning stage. In this way, road safety is improved for all road users, regardless of how many wheels the vehicle in front of them has. The Swedish Transport Administration’s planning processes must be modernized and made more efficient. At the municipal level, there are good examples where AI is used to scan for the need for measures in infrastructure, something that would like to be used more on state roads as well.”

“Two-wheelers have an important place in Swedish infrastructure. Driving on two wheels is both a cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to get around. Both in dense urban environments but also in the countryside. When these vehicles are not mentioned in the orientation document, it means that important aspects are missed, such as the electrification of motorcycles and mopeds.”

“In summary: make sure that the Swedish Transport Agency receives enough funds to cover backlogged maintenance and scheduled maintenance on the road. Make sure that the framework also allows for research and development to strengthen road safety for all road users. Ensure that two-wheelers are included in the maintenance planning process right from the start. It benefits everyone.”

Source: SMC

Top photograph courtesy of routeyou.com

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