Strengthening Post-Collision Response: A Data-Driven Evaluation of Biker Down
Customer success story
Agilysis was commissioned by the Vision Zero South West Partnership to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of the Biker Down scheme across Devon and Cornwall. The project formed part of a broader commitment to improving motorcycle safety and strengthening post-collision response outcomes across the region.
Biker Down is a nationally delivered intervention designed to equip motorcyclists with the skills needed to respond effectively when encountering a collision involving another rider. The course focuses on three key areas: scene management, first aid, and rider visibility. Despite its widespread use across the UK, there was a lack of robust, published evidence on its effectiveness.
This multi-year project (April 2023 to March 2025) provided a rare opportunity to generate high-quality insights into both the delivery and impact of the intervention. By combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, Agilysis produced one of the first comprehensive evidence bases for this widely adopted road safety programme.
The Challenge
The client faced a clear strategic challenge: while Biker Down was already being delivered successfully across the South West, there was limited evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness or inform future improvements. Without robust evaluation, it was difficult to justify ongoing investment, refine delivery, or scale the intervention in line with Vision Zero ambitions.
A further challenge was the absence of established evaluation frameworks for this type of intervention. Unlike traditional road safety programmes focused on driver behaviour or infrastructure, Biker Down operates as a post-collision response intervention, targeting motorcyclists’ ability to respond to incidents rather than prevent them directly. This required a tailored approach to defining success and measuring outcomes.
Operational complexity also added to the challenge. The scheme was delivered through different models across Devon and Cornwall, with variations in scheduling, providers, and delivery methods. Designing an evaluation capable of capturing consistent insights across these differing contexts required a flexible yet rigorous methodology.
Finally, engagement presented a practical constraint. Participation in both the course and the evaluation was voluntary, meaning data collection had to be carefully designed to maximise response rates while maintaining anonymity and encouraging honest feedback from attendees.
The Approach
Agilysis developed a structured, evidence-led evaluation framework tailored to the unique nature of the Biker Down intervention. Central to this approach was the creation of a clear logic model, developed collaboratively with delivery partners, which defined how the programme was expected to drive behavioural change through increased knowledge, confidence, and intention.
To measure impact, Agilysis implemented a robust pre- and post-survey design. This allowed for direct comparison of participant knowledge, confidence, and intended behaviours before and after course attendance. The surveys combined quantitative metrics with qualitative feedback, enabling a comprehensive understanding of both measurable outcomes and participant experiences.
The methodology was carefully designed to align with best practice. Surveys were issued at appropriate intervals, including a deliberate delay following course completion to capture more reflective and reliable responses. Established behavioural research frameworks were incorporated to ensure the validity of the data collected.
In addition to statistical analysis, Agilysis conducted in-depth qualitative analysis of participant feedback. Techniques such as thematic analysis and word frequency modelling were used to identify key motivations, learning outcomes, and behavioural changes. This ensured that the evaluation not only demonstrated whether the programme worked, but also explained how and why it created impact.
The approach also accounted for real-world delivery conditions. By designing the evaluation to work across different delivery models and partner organisations, Agilysis ensured that findings would be practical, scalable, and directly applicable to future programme development.
The Outcomes and Results
The evaluation demonstrated that Biker Down delivers strong, measurable improvements across all three core competency areas: scene management, first aid, and rider visibility. Participants showed significant increases in knowledge, confidence, and intention to act, with statistical testing confirming that these changes were highly significant and unlikely to occur by chance.
In practical terms, the impact was substantial. For example, confidence in managing a collision scene rose dramatically, with agreement increasing from 22% before the course to 97% afterwards. Similarly, confidence in administering first aid increased from 33% to 97%, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness in equipping riders with critical life-saving skills.
Behavioural intent also strengthened significantly. After attending the course, 94% of participants stated they intended to acquire further safety skills, while nearly all reported being more likely to adopt safer riding behaviours and use visibility-enhancing equipment.
Qualitative insights reinforced these findings. Participants reported clear changes in behaviour, including improved road positioning, increased use of high-visibility clothing, and greater preparedness to manage real-world incidents. Many also highlighted increased confidence in performing CPR, managing casualties, and controlling the scene of a collision.
The evaluation also identified opportunities for further value creation. Demand for deeper first aid content, increased course duration, and improved promotion strategies suggested clear pathways for enhancing the programme’s reach and impact. Importantly, the findings provided actionable recommendations to support more inclusive participation and engagement with higher-risk groups.
Overall, the project delivered a robust, evidence-based assessment of a widely used intervention, providing the client with the confidence to refine, promote, and scale Biker Down as part of a Safe System approach. The evaluation not only demonstrated effectiveness but also established a foundation for ongoing improvement and national learning across the road safety sector.