Motorcyclists warned to slow down

Police are advising motorcyclists to slow down on Cheshire′s roads in an effort to prevent serious and fatal road traffic collisions.

As well as making sure motorcyclists observe the rules of the road, Police are keen to remind other drivers that motorcyclists are vulnerable.

Sergeant Rick Weaver, from Cheshire Police Roads Policing Unit said: “Motorcyclists currently represent a disproportionate number of the people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“Nationally motorcyclists only account for 2.6% of all vehicles, but, 19% of all casualties are motorcyclists. In Cheshire last year eight of the 28 fatalities on our roads involved motorcyclists, and so far this year there have already been five fatal collisions across the county involving motorcyclists.

“If a biker is involved in a collision, or comes off the machine, death or serious injury is a real possibility. Bikers need to remember that and so do other road users.

“We want to persuade drivers of cars, vans and lorries to keep an eye open for bikes and to avoid putting motorcyclists in danger. Officers will get that message over whenever the opportunity arises.

“We also know that a small number of motorcyclists consistently use excessive speed, regardless of the risk they pose to themselves and other road users. We will target them with robust enforcement activity.”

Throughout the summer period the force will be targeting popular ‘biker routes′ across the county with mobile enforcement cameras. As well as carrying out enforcement action against motorcyclists who ignore speed limits or cut across solid white lines, they will talk to them about staying safe.

Sergeant Weaver added: “Those that ignore the safety regulations and travel too fast or cross white lines will find they are facing fines and points on their licences, however, education and persuasion are major parts of this campaign − we would rather advise and our advice be headed, than enforce.”

Police continue to support the use of the Bikesafe initiative in an effort to engage with this vulnerable section of road-users. You can find out more about that on http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/