Campaigner celebrates getting motorbikes into theory test
Mum’s campaign to change the theory test gathers pace
‘I’m hoping we can have a new breed of young drivers’
RIA BRISLAND
Two weeks ago MCN reported on the story of Ria Brisland whose 19-yearold son Nick was killed when a driver pulled out on him as he was on the way to a bike meet.
Ria launched a campaign to have the driving theory test changed to include a compulsory section on motorcycle awareness and set up an online petition to present to the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling MP. The petition collected over 130,000 signatures and now her local MP is taking the fight straight to the heart of government.
“The support has been amazing,” says Ria. “I’d been speaking with my local MP, Royston Smith, about the campaign and he was really positive about it. He approached the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling MP, who had heard about the campaign through the media and he seems keen to see what can be done. “Royston is going to put forward a Ten Minute Rule bill but we’re right at the start of the process. The ideal outcome would be a video inserted into the theory test that outlines how to look for bikes when approaching junctions or pulling onto main roads.” As well as the theory test awareness campaign, Ria also set up the Nick Brisland Trust, which is working to raise funds to install roadside defibrillators across the country. “We’re really pleased with the success of the trust. We’ve raised just over £1600 now, which means we have enough money to install the first defibrillator, which should be installed at Loomies in the next few weeks. “We’ve met so many people of late and it’s great hearing all their stories. I’m hoping with the right education we can have a new breed of young drivers who make the roads safer for everyone.”