A new global road safety campaign has been launched by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).

“We, The Riders” is described as a movement of responsible motorcyclists from around the world, who all share the joy of riding – and the fight for change.

The campaign was launched at the Austrian round of 2018 FIM MotoGP World Championship at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg with the support of Dorna, the Red Bull Ring circuit, ACEM, the European Commission and MotoGP stars Andrea Iannone (ITA), Marc Márquez (ESP), Jack Miller (AUS), Jorge Lorenzo (ESP) and Johann Zarco (FRA).

“For more than 100 years, the FIM has been representing the interests of motorcyclists – both on and off the track,” said Vito Ippolito, FIM President, during the launch. “Every day, road traffic crashes claim nearly 3,500 lives and injure many thousands more, 23 percent of all lives lost are those of our fellow riders. At the FIM we do not have all the answers and there is still much left to do. That is why we are launching this movement ‘We, The Riders’ because we recognise the potential of people-powered change – the power of a network of individuals with something in common to create real change in the world and improve road safety.”

The vision of “We, The Riders” is of roads that are safe for everyone. Roads where all are seen, no matter their mode of transport. Roads that are built and planned with everyone in mind. Roads made for the joy of riding – not the fear of crashing.

“As President of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers; I reaffirm that for all leading manufacturers and member associations the most important issue is safety,” said ACEM President Stefan Pierer. “The motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users. According to official statistics 50 percent of the fatalities are caused by a third party and the biggest problem is visibility. That’s why every action and initiative that improves visibility is supported by the industry.”

Learn more about the campaign at the official website, wetheriders.com.