Motorcycle Registrations in the Czech Republic Reach Record Levels

More than 4,300 new motorcycles were registered in the Czech Republic in April – more than ever before. However, with the growing number of motorcycles on the roads, the risk of accidents is also increasing. The road safety initiative BESIP is therefore calling on both motorists and motorcyclists to exercise greater caution.

This year’s motorcycle season is bringing a historic high in new motorcycle registrations in the Czech Republic. According to BESIP, 4,309 new category L vehicles were registered in April alone – a new record level.

In response to the growing number of motorcycles in road traffic, BESIP is continuing its “Hele, motorka!” (“Watch out, motorcycle!”) campaign this year. The aim of the initiative is to make motorists more aware of motorcyclists while also encouraging motorcyclists to behave responsibly on the roads.

“The popularity of motorcycles on Czech roads continues to grow, placing greater demands on the attention and responsibility of all road users. Motorcyclists face a higher accident risk than motorists, and even minor mistakes can have fatal consequences,” Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik said. Motorcyclists should not overestimate their abilities and should adapt their riding style to the conditions. At the same time, he urged motorists to actively look out for motorcyclists and drive with particular caution.

This year, the campaign will continue with prevention events in the regions, cooperation with the police, and a communications campaign across radio stations and social media. As part of a roadshow, visitors will be able to simulate interactive traffic situations both from the perspective of a motorist and a motorcyclist. The programme will also include attention tests, quiz formats, and information on typical danger situations such as blind spots and turning manoeuvres.

Number of fatal motorcycle accidents rises compared with last year

Accident statistics show an unfavourable trend: From January to the end of April, 13 motorcyclists had already lost their lives on Czech roads – seven more than during the same period last year. A further 61 motorcyclists suffered serious injuries.

Collisions with passenger cars are particularly common. Around 40 per cent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur in collisions with cars – often in situations where motorcyclists are overlooked while turning or changing lanes.

At the same time, around one third of fatal motorcycle accidents occur without the involvement of other vehicles. According to the statistics, the main causes are inappropriate speed or loss of vehicle control. The most dangerous months of the season are still to come: the number of serious motorcycle accidents traditionally rises significantly in June and during the summer holidays.