Shropshire poster campaign to reduce biker deaths
Dozens of people have died and hundreds injured in collisions involving motorcycles in the past three years, new figures reveal.
Posters and warning signs will now be hung on main routes in Shropshire in a bid to reduce casualties and deaths on roads.
The Safer Roads Partnerships in West Mercia has launched their 2015 Think Bike campaign – aimed at motorcycle riders.
Figures reveal that there were 37 fatalities and 464 serious injuries following collisions involving motorcycles on roads in the West Mercia and Warwickshire police force areas over the past three years.
The campaign will target both motorcyclists and car drivers with the aim of increasing general awareness and offering additional training.
Roadside posters will soon be erected along some key motorcycle routes where both motorcyclists and drivers need to take care and be more aware.
Safety leaders said that for some riders, their bike may have only been off the road for the worst of the winter but for others it can be close to six months. The Partnership will also now target those riders who haven't ridden for some time by encouraging them to make a few simple safety checks before getting back on the road.
Anna Higgins, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: "West Mercia is popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.
"We are aiming to make motorcyclists and car 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 Partnership will also be supporting West Mercia Police on various operations throughout the spring and summer months, targeting dangerous and anti-social riders on targeted routes.
Bikers are being urged to carry out a few simple checks to the their bikes such as battery/electrics, tyres, chain, fluids, controls, brakes and chassis.
The Partnership also offers a 'take control' motorcycle skills enhancement course for bikers who want to brush up on their skills, gain more confidence or become a better rider ahead of their full test.
For more information go to www.rmtnet.co.uk/take-control or www.warwickshire.gov.uk/motorbiketraining
