Steady Tiger – photo  © Julian Swainson

 

Police in Norfolk are supporting a national initiative to highlight motorcycle and bicycle safety on our roads.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council ‘2 Wheels’ campaign runs for two weeks between Monday 20 May and Sunday 2 June and aims to raise awareness among motorists – as well as riders – about how to improve driver/rider behaviour to enhance road safety.

Motorcyclists remain one of the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 19% of all deaths on British roads in 2017, with 349 riders losing their lives. In the same year 101 pedal cyclists also lost their lives, which accounted for 6% of all road users.

Officers will be placing an additional focus on the safety of road users on two wheels during the campaign, where possible by educating riders about the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protection equipment. However, compliance with road traffic regulations will be enforced where appropriate.

Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, Head of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “It is a stark statistic that road users on two wheels accounted for 25% of all road deaths in 2017 and analysis carried-out at the end of last year found that cyclists and motorcyclists are 63 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision.

“Unfortunately this trend repeats itself locally, with riders being disproportionally involved in serious collisions when they only make up a small fraction of total road users and we want to use this campaign to encourage motorists and cyclists to think about the safety of those on two wheels.

“Riders must of course consider their own safety and be responsible road users as much as anyone else, but I would urge drivers of other vehicles to take extra care when travelling near to cyclists or motorcyclists and recognise that they are more vulnerable. Don’t drive too closely to them and allow plenty of room if overtaking.”

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green, said: “Road safety is a big concern for many of Norfolk’s residents which is why I have invested in a number of schemes, including Community Speed Watch and my young driver safety campaign #Impact.

“The focus however, cannot be just on those driving four wheels but must also be on those riding two, it is unsettling so many riders continue to be seriously injured or killed on our roads.

“Hopefully such enforcement of the law, alongside sustained education and awareness, will help keep our county’s roads safer for all who use them.”

Motorcyclists are encouraged to take up the opportunity to improve their riding skills by attending a Safe Rider course. More information can be found on the Norfolk Police website: https://www.norfolk.police.uk/services/safe-rider-course