THE ANNUAL campaign aimed at keeping motorcyclists safe has been launched by the West Mercia and Warwickshire Safer Roads Partnership.
It comes as the weather is getting warmer and riders spend more time out and about on their motorbikes.
Over the past three years in the two areas, 528 people have been killed or seriously injured following collisions involving motorcycles.
This year’s campaign is targeting motorcyclists and car drivers, encouraging both to be more aware of each one’s presence on the roads.
Messages are being conveyed through roadside posters being put up alongside popular motorcycle routes.
Additional training is also being offered.
For part of the campaign the partnership is targeting those bikers who have not ridden over the winter months as for some riders their bikes may of been off the road for up to six months. The partnership is urging them to make sure that their bike is in good working order before getting onto the road again and making a few simple checks on areas such as battery/ electrics, tyres, chain, fluids, controls, brakes and chassis.
Vicki Bristow, spokesperson for the partnership, said: “Both Warwickshire and West Mercia are popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.
“We’re aiming to make motorcyclists and other road users more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and to help us reduce the amount of collisions that take place.”
The safer Roads Partnership will also be supporting Warwickshire West Mercia Police on multiple operations throughout the spring and summer periods, targeting dangerous and anti-social riders on routes across the region and supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance with the Bike4Life event on the April 30.
The Take Control skills course is also available for those who want to improve their biking ability, become better riders and gain more confidence as they prepare to take their full test.
Visit www.rmtnet.co.uk/take-control or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/motorbiketraining for more information.
Story by Robert Rowe
