Welcome to Road Safety Wales
11/3/10
BikeSafe workshops are designed to enhance the skills of all riders who have already passed their tests and are particularly suitable for those that may be returning to biking after a period of absence. Workshops ‘bridge the gap’ between general riding and professional tuition. They are run by Police Advanced Riders who are all keen motorcyclists both in work and socially and fully understand the enjoyment people experience when out on the open road. BikeSafe is a great opportunity to get the essential information and skills bikers need to be safer on the road.
The workshops are a mix of theory and practical sessions and will include on-road assessment rides, information videos, motorcycle-related first aid and other relevant issues.
Gwent workshops cost £100.00 for two days. This year workshops have been planned mid-week as well as weekends. They run from two Centres, the dates are as follows:
Cwmbran: 10/11 April, 8/9 May, 5/6 June, 3/4 July (Ladies only), 4/5 September
Malpas : 29/30 April, 26/27 May, 21/22 June, 24/25 July, 25/26 September
South Wales 2 day workshops are run from four Centres. Riders who live/work in or live inqualify for a subsidy from their Local Authority, reducing the cost to £20 per rider. For Riders who do not fulfill these criteria, the cost is £100.00.
Swansea: 24/25 April, 26/27 June
Cardiff: 22/23 May, 17/18 July
Vale of Glamorgan: 24/25 July, 28/29 August, 18/19 September
Neath Port Talbot: April 17/18, May 15/16, May 29/30, June 19/20, July 10/11, August 14/15,
September 11/12 - 01639 686828 Neath Port Talbot booking line.
Dyfed Powys are running their one day workshops from four Centres this year. The cost is £50.00
Aberystwyth: 8 May
Haverfordwest: 19 June
Llandrindod Wells: 11September
Carmarthen: 9 October
are subsidising one day workshops for residents, at a cost of £15 per rider:
24 April, 5 June, 23 October - 01597 826979 Powys booking line.
Thanks to funding from the North Wales Local Authorities, FREE Bikesafe workshops (worth £100) are available - subject to availability of places and until funds are exhausted. The free place is offered once only.
Riders can book onto either a 2 day motorcycle "Road Management Skills" course, which involves both an indoor session and a practical riding assessment/demonstration OR a FREE BikeSafe workshop and First Bike on Scene (FBoS) course, which gives riders instruction in motorcycle related First Aid.
BikeSafe only
Colwyn Bay: 27/28 March, 17/18 April, 24/25 April, 6/7 May, 15/16 May, 29/30 May, 19/20 June (Ladies only) 3/4 July, 10/11 July, 17/18 July, 14/15 August, 28/29 August, 4/5 September, 14/15 September, 27/28 September, 9/10 October, 16/17 October, 6/7 November, 11/12 December
Greenfield Centre: 24/25 June
Gwynedd: 24/25 July, 18/19 September, 30/31 October
BikeSafe and FBoS
Colwyn Bay: 24/25 April, 29/30 May, 10/11 July, 28/29 August, 9/10 October, 16/17 October, 6/7 November, 11/12 December
Gwynedd: 24/25 July
To find out more about BikeSafe throughout Wales, please visit the BikeSafe website www.bikesafe.co.uk
9/3/10
Gwent Police is urging motorcyclists to take care and ride safely following three road traffic collisions in the Gwent area on Sunday 7th March.
Gwent has some excellent motorcycle routes and together with the type of fine weather we have seen recently, these may attract many riders to the area.
The details of the collisions are as follows:
The first occurred on King Street in Brynmawr and involved a motorbike and a car. The 17 year old male rider of the motorbike was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital where he remains, receiving treatment for fractures and facial injuries. He is in a stable condition.
The second occurred on the B4235, Chepstow. It involved a motorbike and a mini bus. The rider of the motorbike was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with leg injuries and has since been released.
The third collision occurred on the B4235 in Itton, near Chepstow. It was a one vehicle collision where a motorbike collided with street furniture. The rider was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.
Motorcyclists who intend to take full advantage of fine and sunny conditions over the spring and summer months are urged by officers to drive safely, responsibly and within their ability. Be aware of the road conditions and ensure that your vehicle is in a road worthy condition.
Gwent Police will be running a series of "BikeSafe" workshops between April and September. These workshops, run by Police Advanced Riders, are aimed at motorbike enthusiasts and are designed to enhance the skills of motorcyclists who have already passed their test. They have proved to be of benefit to riders of all levels of experience.
The workshops are a mix of theory and practical sessions and will include on-road assessment rides, information videos, motorcycle-related first aid and other relevant issues.
The workshops run from the Road Safety Resource Centre, Edlogan Way, Cwmbran. For more information and to make a booking please visit the BikeSafe website www.bikesafe.co.uk or call RoSPA on 02920 250600.
21/9/09
An innovative scheme that aims to reduce motorcycle casualties and provide education to riders on road safety is going from strength to strength in North Wales. Bikesafe North Wales now facilitates up to 10% of the UK’s market for Bikesafe education, and are providing more education per head than any other police force in the country, apart from the Metropolitan Police.
The scheme, which is facilitated by North Wales Police and supported by all six local authorities, offers free two-day workshops for up to 600 bikers a year.
Since the inception of the North Wales Local Authority Rider Scheme last year the six authorities of North Wales – Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham, have supported North Wales Police’s Bikesafe scheme by helping to fund two-day workshop for motorcyclists who are residents of North Wales.
The workshops – which are normally £100, offer practical advice about road safety and educate riders by passing on knowledge and skills to try and help motorcyclists become safer riders. The workshops also include FBoS training (First Bike on Scene) which means first response and first aid training for bikers.
This scheme has fused the North Wales Road Safety Group - which includes North Wales Police, the NHS, and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to deliver a quality and high quantity risk awareness course with on road practical demonstration and assessment. It is also supported by the volunteer observers who are sometimes off duty police officers and civilian advanced riders.
Paul Cheshire, North Wales Bikesafe Co-ordinator said: “So far this year, those killed or seriously injured by biker crashes have fallen by a massive 46% compared to the same period last year, but we are not complacent and North Wales Police continue to be concerned at the level of collisions involving motorcyclists.
He added: “Bikesafe has now become a well known police initiative that engages with bikers to educate them in better road management skills. This is all about providing enforcement balanced with education.”
In summer 2009, Gwynedd County Council were so impressed with the scheme that they purchased a motorcycle, which will assist in delivering sessions and help to develop the Bikesafe facility within Gwynedd. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have also been providing ‘biker drop-in surgeries’ at venues across Gwynedd.
Paul Cheshire added: “This is not all about hard hitting enforcement. It’s about offering a range of training opportunities to motorcyclists of all abilities to help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
Chief Inspector Gary Ashton said "North Wales Police has developed a joined up approach to reduce the numbers of people killed and injured whilst riding motorcycles, which involves enforcement against those intent on riding unlawfully, engineering out some specific risks to motorcyclists and educating riders through the Bikesafe scheme.
“By making Bikesafe free to residents of North Wales through the Local Authority scheme, we're seeking to engage with as wide an audience of motorcyclists as possible to ensure they become more thoughtful and responsible riders."
If you are a resident of North Wales and would like to participate in a free Bikesafe course please contact Paul Cheshire, North Wales Bikesafe Co-ordinator on 01492 804155 or email – psdbikesafe@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Places are limited and course dates will be confirmed on application.
Further details regarding the Bikesafe scheme can be obtained via the national website – www.bikesafe.co.uk
21/9/09
Emergency services across North Wales are working together in a bid to further reduce motor bike casualties. So far in 2009, two motorcyclists have been killed with 41 seriously injured. This compares to eight deaths and 88 serious injuries in 2008 and 12 deaths and 80 seriously injured in 2007.
Operation Focus was launched by North Wales Police in 2003 with the objective of reducing motorcycle casualties and deaths. Police officers talk to motorcyclists to try to educate them about the dangers, but will also actively prosecute those who ride dangerously or who have illegal machines.
Superintendent Simon Shaw of North Wales Police's Road Policing unit said: "The only riders we hope to discourage from riding in North Wales are those that are intent on riding illegally, particularly those wanting to ride at high speeds.
"Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable group of road users. Our objective is to educate motorcyclists of the risks they face and prosecute those who unlawfully use the roads of North Wales.
Operation Focus is an annual campaign by North Wales Police that usually starts at the beginning of the motorcycling season from around late March until October.
"We have various campaigns and initiatives throughout the year targeting high-risk road users, such as our young driver's campaign Deadly Mates and the annual summer and Christmas Drink Drive campaign," Supt Shaw added.
"Operation Focus is not about alienating the motorcycling community - it's about education and engagement. Motorcyclists face a number of risks including insufficient training or skills fade because they don't get out on their bike very often. Their bikes may be in an unlawful condition, they may not be wearing appropriate clothing or be particularly visible to other road users, and they may suffer from fatigue due to long periods of concentration whilst riding on unfamiliar roads."
The operation has the full support of other emergency services, who like the police, are called upon to deal with serious or fatal collisions.
Dafydd Jones-Morris, Regional Director for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "All too often our crews have to deal with the aftermath of road traffic collisions in North Wales. Not only do they affect family, but they can hit whole communities hard. We support education schemes like this as we want bikers to enjoy the region's roads, but also understand the care and attention that is needed to navigate them safely."
Richard Fairhead, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are keen to educate road users about road safety to try and cut down on the number of needless deaths on our road every year.
"One of the 'at risk' groups we are actively targeting is motorcyclists. As part of our work, and through Welsh Assembly Grant funding, we have leased a 'Firebike', a brand new Yamaha FJR1300 which is used to attract motorcyclists at events, roadshows and as part of Bikesafe events across the region. The 'Firebike' attracts keen motorcyclists, which gives our staff the opportunity to interact and educate the bikers about road safety.
"We are keen to work in partnership with the other emergency services and local councils in this way which encourages motorcyclists and road users to enjoy the beauty of our region safely."
Supt Simon Shaw added: "Because of the significant proportion of deaths and serious injury collisions involving motorcyclists we are constantly working with our partners to reduce injury and save lives through engineering, education and enforcement.
"The vast majority of motorcyclists we encounter are law abiding but there is a hardcore minority who are determined to use our roads as racetracks and in doing so have and continue to put themselves and other road users in mortal danger.
"We will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences."
10/9/09
Bikers arriving on Aberystwyth promenade on the Bank Holiday weekend joined in a Bike Safe event organised by the Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Dai Evans-Pugh, Community Safety Officer at Aberystwyth fire station, organised the event on Saturday 29 August in conjunction with police, the Bike Safe group, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and Aberystwyth Motorcycle Training Centre.
Alongside the fire service´s show vehicle was the chilling message that, between 2006 and 2008 in Dyfed-Powys, there were 43 motorcyclists killed in accidents and 170 riders sustained serious injuries, with a further 398 bikers suffering slight injuries.
In Ceredigion, there were two fatal and eight serious injuries sustained by motorcyclists in 2008. There has already been one fatal and eight serious injury incidents this year.
MAG talked to members of the public on all aspects of motorcycling. Some former bikers chatted about the prospect of getting back on two wheels.
Aberystwyth MTC gave information on training, the recently introduced test. Aberystwyth is the only Ceredigion town where riders can take the practical Module II test and how to obtain a motorcycle licence.
Rory Wilson, regional representative of MAG and Kenneth Huntly of Aberystwyth MTC were pleased with the event.
Speaking on behalf of the pair, Rory Wilson said:
"There was a real sense that this was a worthwhile event and that it was one of those rare opportunities for bikers to meet and talk to the public about bikes and bike safety. Maybe next year we can make this event even bigger and really put Aberystwyth on the bikers´ map.
We are pleased that the police and fire services have introduced initiatives such as this. Bike Safe is an invaluable scheme, not only for the experience it offers riders but for the link it has forged between emergency services and motorcyclists.
Motorcycle casualty figures are, unfortunately, distorted at this time of year by a minority of motorcycling visitors to Wales who, sadly, are involved in incidents.
However and very importantly, it should be remembered that the majority of motorcycle accidents are the result of error or misjudgement by other road users, or a poor road surface.
We would therefore wish that future events also include an element promoting car driver training and a message that motorcycles are not inherently dangerous, but that riders are vulnerable road users, as are cyclists and pedestrians.
Aberystwyth MTC was present to promote the positive side of motorcycle use. Benefits in terms of ease of parking and reduced congestion are strong arguments in favour of having a scooter or motorcycle, also good training and awareness are vital".
There are further Bike Awareness and Bike Safe events planned for 12th September and 10th October. For more information go to www.bikesafe.co.uk
Councillor Paul James, who is also the local Fire Authority Member said:
"Any initiative which will help lower deaths and serious injuries on our roads is welcomed, not only in Ceredigion but throughout the Country. The Emergency Services are very proactive in trying to educate rather than prosecute motorcyclists, so I hope these type of events become more frequent and are well supported."
Watch Manager Dai Evans-Pugh added:
"As this was the first Bike safety event we´ve arranged we didn´t know what to expect, however, in the main we were all pleased with how the day went, and hope that more will follow in the coming years."
27/8/09
New safety ratings for motorcycle helmets were published today by Road Safety Minister, Paul Clark. An additional 25 motorcycle helmets have been rated by SHARP - the Department for Transport's Safety Helmet Assessment and Ratings Programme - taking the number of ratings published to 150.
In addition to the new SHARP ratings the Department's THINK! campaign is reminding riders to take extra care on winding rural roads when they are out this bank holiday weekend. THINK! has developed new publicity material this summer for distribution by road safety officers and retailers with helpful reminders of how riders can stay safe on rural roads and what they can do to improve their skills.
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said:
"If all riders wore the safest helmets available 50 lives could be saved each year. I am therefore delighted to publish these new SHARP ratings ahead of the August Bank Holiday when many riders will be taking their bikes out for one of the last weekends of the summer.
"By providing comprehensive and independent safety information through SHARP and the THINK! Motorcycle Academy as well as reminding drivers to look out for bikes, I hope that we can help to make the roads safer for motorcyclists and see a reduction in the number of needless tragedies which happen each year."
The 'Bends Require Skill' leaflet formulated by THINK! and supported by British Super Bike rider John Reynolds reminds riders how to stay safe on rural roads.
200,000 leaflets have been distributed to retailers, cafes and local authorities and a second print run of 500,000 is planned.
Helmets sold in the UK must meet minimum legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests to provide riders with more information on how much protection a helmet can provide in a crash. The objective advice, which includes important guidance on how to select a good fitting helmet, helps riders to choose the safest helmet suitable for them.
The SHARP tests - which award ratings of between one and five stars - showed that the safety performance of helmets can vary by as much as 70%. With helmets across a wide price range scoring highly, all riders should be able to find a high performing helmet in a size and style that fits them and at a price they want to pay.
For more information about the SHARP programme, visit the SHARP website at www.direct.gov.uk/sharp.
For more information about how to develop riding skills please visit the THINK! Motorcycle Academy website at www.dft.gov.uk/tma
15/7/09
THINK! is sponsoring the British Superbike Championship (BSB) for the sixth successive year. The THINK! Motorcycle Academy is an interactive bike safety stand that is present at every round of the twelve-race British Superbikes series. It includes interactive sessions as well as a range of information encouraging bikers to ‘Save Racing for the Track’ and learn new road skills. A selection of top BSB riders give live interviews on the stand and three-times British Superbikes champion, John Reynolds, is the official THINK! Motorcycle Academy Ambassador.
In addition to biking safety information, those visiting the Academy can experience Honda's Rider Trainer, a realistic hazard awareness simulator. Race-goers are also able to access interactive pods where they can learn more about motorcycle safety including the latest SHARP helmet ratings.
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, said: “Motorcyclists are of course more vulnerable on the road than car drivers and the THINK! Motorcycle Academy’s on-site presence at BSB plays a very important role in continuing to improve road safety, something BSB fans really appreciate. The number of visitors that engage with THINK! at races and then go on to take up further training is
testimony to this.”
The THINK! Motorcycle Academy website is packed full of information, including a You and Your Bike section, Blogs, News and access to the Bike Guru!
Visit the website at www.dft.gov.uk/thinkmotorcycleacademy
6/7/09
Over 150 bikers were spoken to at the weekend during the latest Op Darwen. The operation, run by Dyfed Powys Police, aims to educate motorcyclists about their riding during the summer when the force traditionally sees an increase in the number of motorcycle fatalities.
As part of the operation a BikeSafe event was held in Aberystwyth Fire and Rescue Station on Saturday 20 June. Seven motorcyclists were given a combination of classroom theory sessions and on road practical assessments which were carried out by advanced police motorcyclists.
At the end of the day MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) and the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) joined the group. This gave a platform for engagement and highlighted the benefits of BikeSafe.
Rory Wilson, MAG said: “Following our charity ride on 20th June Aberystwyth & District Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) were pleased to link up with BikeSafe and the IAM at Aberystwyth Fire Station. All of us share a passion for motorcycling and promoting the safety of riders including through continued training and skill-sharing, and we look forward to future events.”
BikeSafe attendee John Latham said: “This course has reinforced my riding skills. It was really good for us to go out with a police advanced rider. I really appreciated the positive, constructive and written feedback and it was a great learning experience. I would encourage all motorcyclists to go on a BikeSafe course.”
On Sunday the Roads Policing Unit joined with the fire and rescue service and the Institute of Advanced Motorists to set up an engagement centre in Llandovery.
Dyfed Powys Police road safety officer, Sue Storch, said: “The main aim of the day was to engage with motorcyclists who are perceived to be in our high risk group and likely to be involved in a fatal or serious collision.
“The anonymous nature of our discussions meant that the majority of bikers were open and honest about their biking habits and issues that they had.
“The majority of motorcyclists stated that they would like to see more engagement days of this type.”
Enforcement activity also took place with the Mid Wales Roads policing unit targeting motorcyclists in the Brecon area. Four fixed penalty notices issued for speeding and one fixed penalty notice was issued for overtaking solid white lines.
Mrs Storch added: “Education is only part of the operation, where motorcyclists fail to take our advice we will continue to target anti-social and indiscriminate riding behaviour.”
17/6/09
An innovative road safety initiative that aims to educate motor cyclists about the dangers on the road was officially launched in Gwynedd on the 27th of May 2009. The BikeSafe initiative which is run by the North Wales Police BikeSafe co-ordinator and supported by Gwynedd Council and other North Wales Councils, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and various motorcycle organisations, was officially launched at an event at Porthmadog Fire Station.
Gwynedd Council was supported at the launch by a variety of partner agencies, emergency services and there was an opportunity to view the Honda pan European motorcycle recently acquired by Gwynedd Council in support of the BikeSafe initiative.
As part of this work, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager Colin Jones assists the BikeSafe co-ordinator with training workshops and shares practical advice with motorcyclists who attend the workshops, and during BikeSafe initiatives held in Gwynedd.
In order to undertake this project, the Council has purchased a Honda 1300 Pan European motorcycle from North Wales Police. The motorcycle is marked with the Council and BikeSafe logo highlighting the partnership between BikeSafe and the Council.
The motorcycle is used by Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager in his everyday role to promote safe motorcycling and to assist with the Bikesafe workshops, including the teaching of safe riding techniques sessions along a wide range of practical sessions to improve motorcycling skills. Colin is a qualified advanced motorcycle examiner for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and also holds a class 1 Advanced motorcycling qualification attained during his period as a roads Policing Officer with North Wales Police
Councillor Gareth Roberts, senior environment portfolio leader, said “I am proud that Gwynedd Council is taking an active role in this innovative project – delivering new and practical road safety advice is vital for the safety of all road users. It is a sad and frightening fact that on average, 1 motorcyclist dies every 14 hours in the UK”
“Indeed, here in Gwynedd, there were 36 recorded motorcycle collisions in Gwynedd last year which tragically led to 2 deaths, as well as 20 serious injuries and 14 minor injuries. That is why, the Gwynedd BikeSafe project and the practical support and advice that Gwynedd Councils road safety team provides is vitally important to avoid road traffic collisions and make our roads safer for all road users”
28/5/09
Over 170 motorcyclists have been stopped as part of Operation Darwen. The operation is being run over various weekends and targets motorcyclists at a time of year when Dyfed Powys Police sees an increase in motorcycle fatalities.
Roads in Carmarthenshire and Powys have been monitored by the roads policing units. A total of 88 offences were recorded so far including 15 offences of speeding, and 15 offences relating to condition and use of the motorbike.
Dyfed Powys Police’s road safety officer, Sue Storch, said: “We regularly carry out safety awareness campaigns amongst motorcyclists because unfortunately we do see an increase in the number of fatalities over the summer months. This campaign aims to ensure the laws of the road are enforced but also gives us another opportunity to speak to motorcyclists about their behaviour which is often of concern to other road users.”
Operation Darwen will continue throughout the summer.
22/5/09
In conjunction with the National Road Safety Strategy and Gwynedd County Council, road safety partnership, North Wales Fire & Rescue Service began a series of 'biker drop in' workshops at Porthmadog Fire station this month. The sessions are an open invite to all motorcycle enthusiasts to drop in, take on refreshments and discuss road safety skills will proficient service providers.
The events will also enable other road safety partners, in particular the Bike Safe team an opportunity to offer advice on road craft, referrals to development courses and even offer free advice on appropriate clothing and helmets.
Mike Owen, County Operations Manager for South Gwynedd said: "What we are trying to achieve in this initiative is to raise the awareness of all road users that the motorcycling community use the roads of Gwynedd and Meirionyddshire in pursuit of their pastime.
"Exploring our beautiful surroundings on their two wheels is often a misunderstood activity leading to negative perceptions of what the thrill of motorcycling is about. Whilst the motorcycling communities are encouraged to come and 'drop in' when they are out and about, general road users have a vital role to play in their safety. Over the coming months the numbers of motorcyclists will soar in South Gwynedd, with groups of riders targeting our roads as a place to visit on their ride outs.
"Unfortunately, in recent years the numbers of road traffic collisions involving motorcycles have increased and as a pro-active initiative we looking to lower those statistics.
"There seems to be an overwhelming interest by all stakeholders to engage with us on this project and I'm confident that if we carefully plan our activities we can contribute effectively to a series of road safety initiatives will hopefully reduce the amount motorcycle related incidents on our roads."
The dates for the forthcoming 'drop in's' are;
- 31st May
- 14th June
- 28th June
- 4th July
Further dates may follow.
20/5/09
Motorcyclists living in Powys are being urged to have their skills assessed so that they can ride safer in the county. Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit has developed an assessment scheme called ‘Ride On’, which gives Powys motorcyclists the opportunity to have their riding skills assessed. The scheme is the first of its kind in Wales thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
The course, which starts later this month, consists of a 1.5 hour theory session followed by a 1.5 hour practical ride out with officers from Dyfed Powys Police.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member responsible for Road Safety, said: “Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users in Powys. We have the highest number of fatal collisions involving motorcyclists compared to any other counties in Wales.
“We want to promote safer riding and reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on Powys roads and this assessment, along with other initiatives, will help us achieve this.”
Courses are available on the following dates both in the morning and afternoon:
Saturday 23 May, Saturday 6 June, Saturday 4 and 18 July, Saturday 15 August, Saturday 26 September.
Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer, said: “We assessed over 50 riders during a pilot scheme in 2008 and the feedback we received from those who participated was extremely positive. I would encourage any motorcyclist to take advantage of this scheme, which is the first of its kind in Wales.”
If you would like further information on the scheme or book a place on the course then contact Peter Wright on 01597 826979 or email peter.wright@powys.gov.uk
11/5/09
New tactics are to be employed by police in a bid to assist in an operation aimed at driving down the number of motorcyclists who are killed and injured on the roads of North Wales.
Covert speed cameras and the testing of average speed enforcement devices will be introduced under Operation Focus over the next couple of weeks. These will be used alongside the tried and tested enforcement methods used by officers working on the operation.
“Law abiding responsible riders have nothing to fear from the introduction of these new tactics,” said Superintendent Simon Shaw, Head of Roads Policing for North Wales Police. “However, we are reminding the riders that persist in riding at speed that they face the very real likelihood of prosecution.
“The portable average speed enforcement devices will be deployed at various locations along the routes favoured by the motorcyclists and will be tested over distances of one, five and ten miles.
Supt Shaw added: “The good weather we have enjoyed over the last 3 weekends has seen large numbers of motorcyclists descend on North Wales to enjoy rides through the magnificent North Wales scenery. The vast majority of the motorcyclists are responsible careful riders that ride at appropriate speeds for the conditions.
“Sadly, there is a significant minority of riders that use the North Wales roads as race tracks. Their recklessness not only puts their own lives at risk but also poses a real danger to other road users.”
Each year around 10 motorcyclists are killed on the roads of North Wales. In addition to this figure, many more sustain life changing injuries. In the majority of cases the journey was purely recreational with excessive speed a contributory factor.
To minimise the risk of riders killing themselves or others North Wales Police has mounted specific operations for each of the last 3 weekends. The operations to date have involved a range of tactics including the deployment of marked and unmarked police vehicles and the force helicopter.
Typically a weekend operation will see around 400 motorcyclists stopped. In the majority of cases the only action taken by the police officer will be to offer words of advice. In around 50 cases breaches of road safety legislation are detected and enforcement action is taken.
Despite this level of policing it is evident that not all motorcyclists are heeding our warnings and high speed riding by a significant minority remains a problem.
Operation Focus will continue each weekend and on the bank holidays until October.
23/4/09
Motorcycling enthusiasts have a chance to improve their biking skills by taking part in BikeSafe Cymru. BikeSafe is an annual event run by police forces around the UK, working alongside the whole of the biking world to help lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties.
Gwent Police will be holding a series of two day rider workshops in association with Road Safety Wales and Gwent Road Safety Resource Centre. The workshops, run by Police Advanced Riders, are designed to enhance the skills of motorcyclists who have already passed their tests, and have proved to be of benefit to riders of all levels of experience.
PC Dorian Evans who is the Gwent Police BikeSafe Co-ordinator said:
“The aim of BikeSafe is to help lower the number of motorcycle rider casualties on roads throughout the UK by promoting safer riding. Police motorcyclists use their knowledge, skills and experience to help people become safer more competent riders.
The police officers that run the weekend workshops are all keen motorcyclists both in work and socially and fully understand the enjoyment people experience when out on the open road Bikesafe is a great opportunity for enthusiastic bikers or anyone with an interest in biking to get the essential information and skills they need to be safe on the road.”
The workshops are a mix of theory and practical sessions and will include on-road assessment rides, information videos, motorcycle-related first aid and other relevant issues.
The fee is £100 and includes the provision of resources (Roadcraft manual etc).
Gwent Police BikeSafe workshops will be held at the Road Safety Centre, Edlogan Way, Cwmbran on the following dates:
April 18/19
May 9/10
May 30/31
June 6/7
July 4/5 (women only)
July 18/19 - places available
September 5/6 - places available
September 19/20 - places available
To find out more about BikeSafe in Gwent and throughout Wales, please visit the BikeSafe website www.bikesafe.co.uk
