Message from Police Connect: Police in Suffolk are supporting a national initiative to highlight motorcycle and bicycle safety on our roads, which takes place this week.
The ‘2 Wheels’ campaign organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, begins on Monday 11 April and runs until Sunday 17 April, with the aim to 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.
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.
The campaign is also an opportunity to make all road users think about the safety of those on two wheels and improving driver behaviour. Many collisions involving cyclists are as a result of vehicles passing them too closely or not being aware of them at junctions.
Inspector Gary Miller, of the Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “As a keen motorcyclist myself, I cannot stress how important it is to raise the risks faced by roads users on two wheels as where cars are continually being made safer, those on motorcycles and bicycles retain many of the same risks they always have.
“We use this week to focus on education – and that means education for both those on two wheels and other road users. While unfortunately many collisions are caused as a result of poor riding, in many cases – especially in respect of cyclists – collisions are caused by impatient and careless driving.
“It is incumbent on all road users to consider their own safety as well as the safety of others. Motorcyclists and cyclists should ensure they are wearing all the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves and to ride considerately and responsibly.
“Finally, 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.”
Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I fully support this road safety campaign and hope increased awareness of the dangers that motorcyclists and cyclists face when they are out on two wheels on our roads, has an impact on road safety in the county.
“It is a very sad fact that those on motorcycles are sixteen times more likely to be injured on the road than a driver – which is a sobering thought and something all road users need to be aware of.
“Road safety is the responsibility of every one of us whether we are on four wheels, two wheels or on foot – we really do need to look out for each other.”
Motorcyclists are encouraged to take up the opportunity to improve their riding skills by attending a Safe Rider course. The monthly courses run until October and more information can be found on the Suffolk Police website here: Safe Rider Workshops |
Suffolk Constabularyhttps://www.suffolk.police.uk/services/safe-rider-workshop
More information about Cycle safety can be found on the Government’s THINK! Cycle Safety website. https://www.think.gov.uk/cycle-safety/