91% of Belgian motorcycle enthusiasts have told Belgian insurance company Yago that the state of Belgium’s roads poses the biggest danger to their lives.
After the poor state of the roads, motorcyclists say that car drivers represent the second-largest danger (83%). 40% of motorcycle accidents did not involve another vehicle.
Around two-thirds of motorcycle accidents happen in summer between May and October, the insurance company notes. Statistics do indicate that motorcycling is a dangerous hobby; nonetheless, the thrill of the ride continues to draw many Belgians to the hobby each year.
Last year, in Brussels alone, there was a 7.6% increase in accidents involving motorcycles. 8 in 10 motorcycle accidents involve a collision with a two-wheeled vehicle, the Walloon Agency for Road Safety notes.
Thrills and spills
86% of motorcyclists said that they ride for the feeling of freedom it provides, yet around half state that they often feel afraid on Belgium's roads. 44% of motorcyclists have already been involved in an accident, which tend to be far more serious than car crashes. 34% have crashed two or even three times since obtaining their licence.
Motorcyclists see the sorry state of Belgian roads as a threat to their safety with the result that 86% of respondents say that they prefer to ride abroad, where there is a better quality and greater variety of roads. Over half of bikers ride all year round, whereas a third ride depending on the weather.
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The Yago survey also shows that Belgian motorcyclists are unaware of what protection they receive from their insurance providers. 40% did not know where to find information about their insurance, and just a third read the terms and conditions to know what they were covered against.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an uptick in the sale of motorcycles, as Belgians looked for respite from lockdowns. Second-hand motorcycle sales rose by as much as 8.1%, while the sale of other vehicles dropped by over 20%.
