Gloucestershire backs 2Wheel operation
Gloucestershire Constabulary is joining forces across the country in supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s 2Wheel Operation
With almost 800 motorist collisions on Gloucestershire roads involving motorcyclists between April 2024 and April 2025, Gloucestershire Constabulary is joining the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s 2Wheel Operation.
The operation, which is running from 2nd to the 15th of June, aims to reduce the number of motorcyclists, cyclists and e-scooter users killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Motorcyclists represent almost a quarter of fatal or serious injury collisions on UK roads.
Despite motorcyclists making up just three per cent of vehicles on the roads, it shows just how risky motorcycling can be. While motorcycles are capable of travelling at the same speeds as cars, riders do not benefit from the same level of physical protection in the event of a collision making even minor misjudgements potentially fatal.
Over the coming weeks officers from our Roads Policing Unit will be engaging with two-wheeled road users and educating other motorists on their responsibility to keep everyone safe on the roads by being vigilant.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership Nick Evans said:
"Data shows that in Gloucestershire, motorcyclists have made up 20% of deaths and serious injuries on the County’s roads since 2017"
"so, there is clearly a need for a focused campaign of this type and I’m very glad that it is being supported by Gloucestershire Police."
They are also asking motorcyclists to consider taking part in Bikesafe workshops. This is a national police-run motorcycle initiative aimed at working with bikers in a relaxed environment to raise awareness and skill.
The workshops aim to cover rider attitude, systematic methods, collision causation, cornering, positioning, overtaking, observation, braking, hazard perception and use of gears. Ultimately, they want to give you the best of their advanced knowledge, so you can ride to the best of your ability.
Inspector Martyn Murawa from Specialist Operations said:
“Motorcyclists, cyclists and e-scooter riders are some of the most vulnerable road users and we’re using this campaign to engage with riders and promote safer habits."
Motorists are also being reminded to take simple steps to help protect two-wheel users. These include:
- Leaving at least 1.5m space when overtaking cyclists or motorbikes
- Double-checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before turning or pulling out
- Using the 'Dutch Reach Method' when opening your car door to avoid "dooring" incidents
- Expecting to see more bikes on the road as the summer months approach
For more information about road safety and crime prevention tips to keep your two-wheeled vehicles safe visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/