Police in Norfolk have been raising awareness regarding the safety of road users on two wheels – including motorcyclists and cyclists – as part of a national initiative.
Between Monday 12 April and Sunday 18 April, officers supported The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) ‘2 Wheels’ campaign. This coincided with another roads policing operation called ‘Close Pass’, both of which focus on the dangers faced by cyclists as a result of motorists who drive too closely to them.
The aim of both campaigns is to educate and raise awareness among motorists – as well as riders – about how to improve driver/rider behaviour to enhance road safety.
Motorcyclists make up just 1% of the motoring population, yet are 16 times more likely to be injured in a serious or fatal collision as opposed to car drivers. They therefore remain one of the most vulnerable road users, alongside cyclists.
As part of this year’s campaign officers placed an additional focus on the safety of road users on two wheels by conducting checks in both marked and unmarked vehicles in areas frequently used by motorcyclists and pedal cyclists. Officers engaged with riders in order to educate them on the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protection equipment.
Temporary Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “We know that as lockdown restrictions ease, road users, particularly cyclists, are more likely to get back out on our roads. It has therefore never been a more important time to highlight the dangers that both motorcyclists and cyclists face.
“As we have seen riders being disproportionally involved in serious collisions when they only make up a small fraction of the total road users, 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 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman said: “The number of bikers on the road always increases at this time of year as the weather improves, and with lockdown easing there is also more traffic back on the road.
“Sadly, our crews attend many accidents on Norfolk’s roads each year involving motorcyclists. Most are avoidable. Our short social media videos aim to show how to get your bike roadworthy before setting out and all road users have a responsibility to remain alert and help to keep motorcyclists safe.”
Drivers or riders seen to commit offences will be issued with Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) and face a fine, points on their licence or even court action.