Bike Campaign April 2012

 

Cheshire Police officers are launching a ′start of the season′ campaign on biker safety.

As well as making sure motorcyclists observe the rules of the road they are reminding other drivers that bikers are vulnerable.

Sergeant Rick Weaver, from the Cheshire Police HQ Roads Policing Unit said:  "Motorcyclists continue to represent a disproportionate number of the people killed and seriously injured on the roads.  Motorcycles only account for one per cent of all vehicles but, nationally, almost 22 per cent of fatalities are motorcyclists. In Cheshire last year six of the 37 fatal collisions on our roads involved motorbikes.

"If a biker is involved in a collision, or comes off the machine, death or serious injury is a real possibility.  Bikers need to remember that and so do other road users.  We want to persuade drivers of cars, vans and lorries to keep an eye open for bikes and to avoid putting motorcyclists in danger.  Officers will get that message over whenever the opportunity arises.

"We also know that a small number of motorcyclists consistently use excessive speed, regardless of the risk they pose to themselves and other road users.  We will target them with robust enforcement activity."

During April, Police Officers will pay special attention to the popular ′biker routes′ which cross the area.  As well as carrying out enforcement action against motorcyclists who ignore speed limits or cut across solid white lines they will talk to them about staying safe.

Mike Jones, Roads Policing Liaison Officer for Cheshire Police said:  "Many of the bikers lay up their motorcycles during the winter.  They are just getting back on the road and there is definitely a strong ′feel good′ factor.  They need to understand that should not lead to taking unnecessary risks and putting themselves and other people in danger.

"In fact some of the bikers′ road skills may be a bit rusty after the winter shutdown.  So they may be even more vulnerable than usual.

"Those that ignore the safety regulations and travel too fast or cross white lines will find they are facing fines and points on their licences but education and persuasion are major parts of this campaign.

"Police continue to support the use of the Bikesafe initiative in an effort to engage with this vulnerable section of road-users.  You can find out more about that on www.Bikesafe.co.uk"