Cheshire Police has launched an operation to tackle the number of motorcycle related collisions on the county′s roads.
The week of action from Monday August 27 to Sunday September 2 is aimed at reducing the number of serious and fatal collisions involving motorcyclists.
Sgt Brad Hughes said: “At the current time motorcyclists remain one of the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 18% of all road deaths in Great Britain in 2016.
“In Cheshire, it’s estimated motorcyclists account for approximately 1% of all road users, yet last year they accounted for nearly 25% of those killed on our roads.
“Of the 28 deaths on our roads, six involved motorcyclists.
“This operation is one of a number of measures that we are undertaking to tackle the issue.
“The operation is not about alienating the motorcycling community − it is about education and enforcement to help reduce the number of deaths on our roads.”
As part of the operation, officers will be stopping and engaging with motorcyclists who commit moving traffic offences such as speeding and dangerous riding as well as anti-social offences such as excessive noise.
Officers will also be targeting the use of illegal off road motorcycles, which pose as risk to the public using parks and recreational areas.
They will also be encouraging motorcyclists to enhance their skills, knowledge and check their personal protective equipment.
In addition to motorcyclists officers will also target all road users who endanger the lives of themselves and others.
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Roads policing is one of my key priorities and I am committed to doing everything I can to make our roads safer.
“While the vast majority of motorcyclists ride appropriately, some riders choose to use the roads as a racetrack, committing serious breaches of road safety legislation, such as speeding and riding dangerously.
“It puts themselves and other road users at risk of death or life-changing injury.
“I would urge all motorcyclists to take extra care while out on the roads and to take responsibility for their own safety.”
The operation follows a similar one earlier this year when officers engaged with nearly 90 motorcyclists across the county.
During the operation from May 28 to June 3, officers detected 62 offending motorcyclists – where appropriate awareness training was offered to a number of riders.
Sgt Hughes added: “Information from the public is vital and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or any information regarding the illegal use of motorcycles to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries/”
(Pic: Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane and Sgt Brad Hughes)
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