West Mercia Police launch Think Bike campaign after weekend tragedies

Hundreds of bikers descended on Shropshire and Mid Wales at the weekend to enjoy its stunning country roads in the spring sunshine.

But the weekend was tainted with shock and sadness, following a number of serious accidents on Sunday.

A man and woman on a motorbike were killed on the A41 near Market Drayton, and a male motorcyclist was seriously injured on the A454 at Swancote, near Bridgnorth.

There were also two serious incidents in Mid Wales on the same day, where a male biker was killed in a crash on the A4067 between Pen-y-Cae and the Cray Reservoir, Powys, while another person was injured in another collision 11 miles away on the A470 between Libanus and Nant-ddu.

The smashes occurred on the day Dyfed-Powys Police launched Operation Darwen to reduce motorcyclist deaths.

West Mercia Police's Safer Roads Partnership has said that 26 people were killed and 333 seriously injured in collisions in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire between 2016 and 2018.

The force's 2019 campaign is targeting both motorcyclists and car drivers, with the aim of increasing general awareness. Roadside posters are being put up along key routes, highlighting areas where both motorcyclists and drivers need to take care and be more aware of each other.

The initiative will also be targeting bikers who haven’t ridden during the winter months, encouraging them to make a few simple safety checks on their bike before getting back on it for the new season.

Police 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.

Risks

All riders are encouraged to check that their bike is in good working order before going on the road again, and to check batteries, electrics, tyres, the chain, fluids, controls, brakes and chassis.

Superintendent Mel Crowther said: "West Mercia is popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends as the weather improves.

"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 number of motorcyclists involved in collisions through risk-taking by both riders and other motorists is worrying. We will be focusing on various operations throughout the spring and summer months, targeting dangerous or anti-social riders and drivers across the region."

The Safer Roads Partnership is also offering a subsidised ‘Take Control’ motorcycle skills enhancement course for bikers who want to brush up on their skills, gain more confidence on their bike or become a better rider in preparation for their full test. One-day courses are being offered for £50 (normal training price of £150). For more information visit rmtnet.co.uk/courses/learner-information/take-control or RMT Motorcycle Training on Facebook and request a Take Control course.