motorcycle news - Wednesday 27th May 2009
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Government under pressure to rethink swerve test
The BBC has reported that the Government is under pressure to rethink its new motorcycle test following a series of crashes in the first few weeks.
Some instructors blame a new manoeuvre known as the "swerve test" which they say is dangerous and ill-thought out. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says it is important for novice riders to carry it out to help reduce the number of motorcyclists killed on the road.
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The DSA said the test was designed by professionals in conjunction with the motorcycle industry and 300 trials were carried out before it was brought in. During the test, learners have to reach 31.2 miles per hour, then perform a swerve, on special test centre tracks; but some instructors say that if riders brake and swerve at the same time they are likely to come off, particularly in the wet.
The new test was brought in at the end of April and in the first three and a half weeks there were 15 incidents during the exam, with at least one rider left with broken bones.
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