Safety on two wheels campaign gets underway
Road Safety Wales has launched its bid to cut the number of deaths and injuries to bikers and cyclists on the roads.
During 2019, 598 motorcyclists and 412 cyclists were killed or injured in collisions on Welsh roads. A special '2wheel operation road safety' has been launched to improve road safety for those on two wheels.
The safety organisation says one of the biggest threats to a cyclist’s safety whilst on the road is close passing.
"Not only are close passes really intimidating, but also dangerous with motorists passing too close to the cyclist a contributory factor in a quarter of serious collisions between cyclists and large vehicles, Teresa Ciano, GoSafe Partnership Manager and Chair of Road Safety Wales said.
Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups of road users.
Teresa said both could be difficult to see, especially at junctions, and both could be affected by side wind when being overtaken.
"The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness among general motorists as well as riders about how to improve driver/rider behaviour to improve road safety as well as educating both drivers and riders about the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protective equipment to ride safely.
Alongside enforcement and engagement activities those involved in the nationwide campaign will be promoting safety messages and tips with the aim of reducing the number of motorcyclists and pedal cyclists injured and killed on our roads.
“We all have the right to use the roads safely and confidently. If we all play our part and share the road responsibly by reacting responsibly and safely when sharing the road we can make every journey a safe journey for all road users, be they travelling on four wheels or two. Let’s take care of each other on the roads and bring the level of two wheel casualties on the roads of Wales down.”
