6 July 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Rural roads, real risks – Redspeed highlights why rider responsibility matters more than ever
Redspeed International has published the third in its year-long series of thought leadership articles from CEO Tom Duckham, focusing on the heightened risks motorcyclists face on rural roads during the summer riding season.
Titled “Rural roads, real risks: why rider responsibility matters more than ever”, the article combines Duckham’s perspective as both a road safety advocate and passionate motorcyclist, setting out why rural riding demands a blend of skill, awareness and personal responsibility.
While summer brings some of the best conditions for riding, Duckham warns that rural roads also present a disproportionate level of risk, with hazards such as tightening bends, poor cambers, loose gravel, concealed accesses and unexpected vehicle movements capable of turning a ride dangerous in seconds.
The article welcomes the Department for Transport’s renewed focus on high-risk road users and high-risk environments, arguing that the Safe System approach is especially relevant to motorcyclists on rural routes.
Duckham says the right combination of safer road design and maintenance, smarter enforcement, stronger rider skills and shared responsibility can help reduce the likelihood that mistakes end in tragedy. Among the examples cited is Scotland’s PRIME project, which uses innovative road markings to guide riders’ visual attention and improve cornering behaviour – something he describes as a ‘practical, evidence-informed intervention that supports better decision-making without undermining rider autonomy’.
The article also stresses the importance of data-led, proportionate enforcement, particularly on rural roads where speed remains a factor in many serious collisions. Duckham argues that intelligent enforcement is not about limiting freedom, but about helping more riders return home safely.
At the heart of the piece is a simple message: responsibility cannot be outsourced. Duckham encourages riders to follow four core principles every time they head out — ride within what they can see, manage road position carefully, expect the unexpected and keep ego in check.
Tom Duckham said: “Summer offers some of the finest opportunities to enjoy Britain’s rural roads on two wheels, but those same roads demand skill, judgement and respect. Motorcyclists remain especially vulnerable when conditions change quickly or hazards appear without warning. If we are serious about preventing serious and fatal collisions, we need the right mix of safer road design, intelligent enforcement, better rider support and a strong culture of personal responsibility.
Ultimately, every safe journey begins with the decisions a rider makes before and during every ride.”
To read Tom Duckham’s latest reflections, please use this link.
Notes to Editors
Redspeed International is a UK-based leader in intelligent traffic enforcement solutions, specialising in road safety, AI-based analytics and ANPR innovation.
For further information, interviews or media enquiries, please contact Redspeed International on 01562 825556.