Police encourage drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists

Motorcyclists account for around one per cent of UK road users but are one of the most vulnerable. They are 38 times more likely than car occupants to be killed per mile they ride.

Last year saw four motorcyclists killed and 72 seriously injured on roads in Cambridgeshire.

Drivers are reminded of the importance of watching out for bikers and to always look carefully when pulling out of junctions, manoeuvring and changing lanes.

Traffic officers will be out on the county’s roads giving advice to motorcyclists about staying safe on the roads, offering information about choosing the right helmet, wearing the right gear, riding defensively and offering further training to improve performance and safety.

They will also be looking out for motorcyclists who are a danger to themselves and others through their dangerous riding and whose bikes are not roadworthy.

Traffic Sergeant Ian Manley from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit said: “Over the coming weeks, as the weather improves, we expect to see an influx of bikers returning to the roads.

“We are asking all bikers to take their time, plan their rides, and think safety. We don’t want anybody getting caught out. Other road users haven’t seen them for a while.

“There are many traffic officers who are keen motorcyclists, myself included, and we want people to enjoy the freedom and excitement that motorcycling brings, but in a safe and responsible way. I urge bikers to sign up to our BikeSafe courses to advance their riding skills.”

Cambridgeshire motorcyclists can benefit from signing up to the BikeSafe scheme which is a national police led motorcycle project run by most police forces across the country. For further information visit the BikeSafe pages on the police website.

For further information and safety advice go to the Motorcyclists: THINK! website http://THINK!.direct.gov.uk/motorcycles.html or http://twistandride.net.