Welcome to Road Safety Wales
2/6/08
Pictured are riders who attended a recent Bikesafe weekend workshop at Police Headquarters, Carmarthen. The riders, who had travelled as far afield as Merseyside, all had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, even though they had to endure some unpleasant weather on the Saturday.
The rideouts took in some of the best roads and scenery covered by the Dyfed Powys police force, including Pembrokeshire, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.
Comments from some of the riders included:
“An insight into consequences of how simple mistakes can have disasterous consequesnces” C.M.
“Feel much happier on the bike, feel better going through bends…worth every penny” W.B.
“Has made me a much safer and more confident rider, vastly improved the knowledge I already had” M.Y.
“I feel I have gained a lot more confidence” J.M.
“Improved my hazard awareness and use of gears…great benefit and the course was well worth while” J.T.
More about BikeSafe...
19/5/08
Efforts to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads of Denbighshire and Wrexham will be supported by a summer of television commercials on ITV Wales (HTV) beginning next week. The 30 second commercial has been commissioned to promote BikeSafe by Denbighshire Council and is supported by Wrexham Council.
Produced by Knew Productions based in Wrexham, in partnership with Speake2, the Chester advertising agency, the commercial will be broadcast on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer, with the first showing on ITV Wales next Friday, May 23rd.
The title 'Not Playing Anymore' reflects the devastating impact fatal collisions have on the family and loved ones left behind and the call to action seeks to inspire bikers to improve their riding skills by contacting BikeSafe.
In 2007 there were 152 collisions involving motorcyclists across North Wales 13 of which resulted in deaths, 5 of these were in Denbighshire and 2 were in Wrexham. Research shows that even though many motorcyclists travel to the region from the North of England, the West Midlands, the Wirral and Mid-Wales, many of the bikers who die on roads in North Wales also live in the region.
Insights show that between 70 and 80% of local accidents are due to rider error and that men aged between 35 and 55 are the most at risk, typically in their late 40s and early 50s riding powerful bikes only at the weekends.
John Williams, Denbighshire’s Traffic Safety Officer, said: "Motorcycle accidents are on the increase. As well as providing free motorbike training places for Denbighshire residents we hope that this commercial will literally bring the message home to all motorcyclists to take extra care when out riding and to keep safety at the forefront of their minds; not least to remember those anxiously waiting at home for their safe return.”
Saul Peake of Speake2, said: “Our focus in producing this commercial has been to communicate with those men who don’t perceive themselves as possible victims. “Trying to ride out a mid-life crisis on a bike that’s too big and powerful for your riding skills isn’t just childish - it’s dangerous.”
Click Here To View The "Not Playing Anymore" TV Advert
29/4/08
BikeSafe - Bridging the Gap, an initiative undertaken by the four Welsh Police Forces, supported by Central and Local Government, helps to assess and advise motorcyclists on how to get the best from their riding, whilst maintaining safety.
Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed than a car driver; therefore it is vital that riders take the opportunity for extra training to ensure they are able to protect themselves on the road. Visit the BikeSafe website.
The Remaining 2008 BikeSafe Workshops are as follows:
Cwmbrân
17/18 May - Full
7/8 June
28/29 June - Full
5/6 July (Women Only)
19/20 July - Full
6/7 September
27/28 September
Cardiff
17/18 May - Full
12/13 July (Women Only)
20/21 September
Swansea
14/15 June
16/17 August
Carmarthen
17/18 May - Full
21/22 June
20/21 September |
Colwyn Bay
Free 2 Day BikeSafe Workshop to residents of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham
10/11 May
12/13 June (weekdays)
21/22 June
5/6 July
19/20 July
16 /17 August
23/24 August
13/14 September
27/28 September
11/12 October
|
"It made me aware of everyday dangers that are all too often taken for granted and produced an overview of how dangerous a motorcycle can be in the wrong hands. Personally if this training day was around 40 years ago it may have saved me ending up in hospital three times."
"Really enjoyed the course. I feel I am already improving and feel more confident and progressive."
"Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to others. Looking forward to getting out there and practising."
"Very enjoyable, very informative. The best advanced riding course I’ve ever done."
"The application of theory to on-road practice was astounding."
"The course had the right balance of everything. I have learnt so much and my riding has improved 100%. My confidence has improved loads and I am so glad I attended. Will definitely attend another course in the future. Excellent!"
"The whole course was excellent. Every aspect was well integrated. I have learnt very useful skills and am sure I am now a safer rider, not just on the motorcycle but also in the car - the skills are transferable."
Wales By Bike - A website all about safe motorcycling in Wales written and managed by professional bikers for bikers can be viewed here
10/4/08
SHARP is the new helmet safety scheme for motorcyclists. From Spring 2008, SHARP will tell riders the level of protection that a helmet will offer, so that they can choose safer helmets.
It will provide consumers with an independent assessment of the safety performance of helmets sold in the UK. The SHARP rating reflects the performance of each helmet model following a series of advanced tests and will rate helmets from 1-5 stars. There is more information on the SHARP website.
www.sharp.direct.gov.uk
17/3/08
A crackdown on bikers who speed and ride dangerously on Welsh roads has been 
launched in Abergavenny, South Wales. Wales' four police forces will use helicopters, unmarked cars and camera bikes to cut motorcycle-related deaths.
A total of 43 bikers or their pillion passengers were killed in Wales during 2007, the highest total since 1984.
Police said responsible bikers were welcome but they planned to stop groups "treating roads as a race track".
Gwent Police is launching the month-long first phase of the campaign at Abergavenny bus station. Chief Inspector John Pavett said the average age of the bikers or pillion passengers killed last year was 38.
He said: "The fact that Wales has some excellent biking roads, together with lower traffic levels than many parts of the UK, attracts many riders to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.
"This high volume of motorcyclists using Welsh roads increases the possibility of poor riding standards and subsequently the number of injury road traffic collisions. It is our intention to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on our roads by providing a high visibility presence, enforcing road traffic legislation and educating riders on safe motorcycling."
The force said the crackdown on anti-social and dangerous riding would target areas with high road casualty rates and use unmarked camera bikes and cars and helicopters to patrol routes.
Other activities in the campaign include the educational initiative Bikesafe 2008, which offers riders workshops and ride-outs with police motorcyclists.
The website Wales by Bike aims to give riding tips and suggested routes for visiting bikers. www.walesbybike.com
12/3/08
From today, many motorcyclists residing in North Wales will be offered a free two-day BikeSafe or BikeSafe and FBoS (First Bike on Scene first aid) course under the North Wales Local Authorities' Rider scheme.
Motorcyclists remain one of the most vulnerable road user groups in the country. On average only 1% of all registrations are motorcycles but 20% of all collisions are motorcyclists. During 2007 many of those injured in North Wales were involved in a collision within ten miles of their home.
The North Wales Road Safety Group is concerned for the safety of the motorcycle community and those affected by the situation. In an effort to raise awareness of casualty reduction skills the group have agreed to provide free BikeSafe and FBoS (First Bike on Scene first aid) courses to a limited number of North Wales residents who hold a full motorcycle licence.
BikeSafe is an established regulated strategy which has developed from best practice in engaging with the motorcycle community to encourage good road management skills. There has been a lot of investment by North Wales Police in BikeSafe and it is recognised as one of the leading examples in the country. Its aims are to develop rider's awareness of the issues, why they should take responsibility for appropriate attitudes and behaviour, the need to increase their skill level and how they can accomplish this.
Importantly BikeSafe exists to ‘Bridge the Gap' and encourage bikers to go to approved training facilities. It is agreed that first aid skills are of equal importance and that the FBoS facility under licence to BikeSafe is most appropriate.
Dafydd Edwards, chairman of the North Wales Road Safety Group said: "The North Wales Local Authorities' Rider Scheme to provide BikeSafe workshops to a limited number of residents throughout North Wales demonstrates good working practice."
He added: "The commitment of the North Wales Road Safety Group in offering assistance to the biking community goes without question. Others that should be recognised are the volunteer observers who assist in the delivery of this education, the Fire and Rescue Service who offer valuable support with the Fire Bike and FBoS who give valuable resources to delivery of vital first aid inclusion."
For further information go to www.bikesafe.co.uk or contact Paul Cheshire the North Wales BikeSafe and FBoS coordinator on 07990 634234 or paul.cheshire@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
7/1/08
BikeSafe - Bridging the Gap, an initiative undertaken by the four Welsh Police Forces, supported by Central and Local Government, helps to assess and advise motorcyclists on how to get the best from their riding, whilst maintaining safety.
Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed than a car driver; therefore it is vital that riders take the opportunity for extra training to ensure they are able to protect themselves on the road. Visit the BikeSafe website.
- A website all about safe motorcycling in Wales written and managed by professional bikers for bikers can be viewed here
Cwmbrân
19/20 April
17/18 May
7/8 June
28/29 June
5/6 July (Women Only)
19/20 July
6/7 September
27/28 September
Cardiff
17/18 May
12/13 July (Women Only)
20/21 September
Swansea
26/27 April
14/15 June
16/17 August
Carmarthen
17/18 May
21/22 June
20/21 September |
Colwyn Bay
19/20 March (weekdays)
15/16 March
5/6 April
28/29 April (weekdays)
19/20 April
17/18 May
12/13 June (weekdays)
21/22 June
5/6 July
19/20 July
16 /17 August
23/24 August
13/14 September
27/28 September
11/12 October
|
22/11/07
A Multi-Purpose Driving Test Centre has been opened by the Driving Standards Agency
(DSA) in Gwent, the first of its kind in Wales. The Newport centre is one of a national network being developed by DSA to improve road safety by incorporating space for the requirements of the new Motorcycle Test (which becomes effective in 2008) and providing improved facilities for customers.
The new Centre is situated at Stephenson Street, Newport, NP19 4XH. Information about DSA multi-purpose test centres can be found at www.dsa.gov.uk
Under Secretary of State for Transport Jim Fitzpatrick MP opening the new test centre in Newport.
7/11/07
A senior police officer says a ban on motorcycles from national parks in Wales might be one idea to cut the number of road deaths.
Chief Supt Geraint Anwyl Williams was speaking following two deaths in two separate crashes in Gwynedd on Sunday.
He said there was a "significant core" of bikers who ignored speed limits.
Chief Supt Williams of North Wales Police said a ban at particular times until the message got through was one idea which could be considered.
Full Story>>
7/8/07
A campaign targeting speeding motorcyclists in Powys has been relaunched after accidents rose by 50% in two years. Yellow safety signs and details about the number of bike crashes will to be posted on main roads leading into the rural county. 
It is thought that a similar campaign, launched in 2004, helped reduce the amount of motorcycle-related deaths.Last year there were 82 bike accidents, compared to 68 in 2005 and 54 in 2004.
Powys Road Safety Partnership, which consists of police, council officials and the fire and ambulances services, are working together on the project. Bikers from the Midlands and south Wales flock to ride Powys' quiet, rural roads, particularly during the summer at weekends. But officials are concerned about the rise in accidents in the county.
Coun Gwilym Evans, said: "Powys is well-known amongst motorcyclists for having quiet roads running through spectacular scenery, with riders from all over the UK and beyond regularly visiting the region. Whilst we welcome all visitors to the county, we need to ensure that our highways are as safe as possible for all road users."
So far this year there have been 10 motorcycle fatalities in the Dyfed-Powys Police area, and six of those have been in Powys.
