Campaign in Norfolk and Suffolk highlights dangers for motorists on two wheels

Additional checks carried out as part of week of action.

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 22nd Apr 2021

The Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team have been working to highlight the dangers faced by cyclists and motorcyclists from drivers who get too close.

Two campaigns highlighting similar issues have been running the counties.

The joint team supported the National Police Chiefs' Council's 'Two Wheels' campaign last week, which coincided with a roads policing operation called 'Close Pass'.

The aim was to educate motorists, including riders, about how to improve driver/rider behaviour to improve safety for everyone.

Norfolk Police says motorcyclists make up 1% of the motoring population, yet are 16 times more likely to be injured in a serious or fatal crash, than car drivers.

It makes them one of the most vulnerable road users, alongside cyclists.

This year an additional focus was on the safety of road users on two wheels, and so checks were carried out during the week using both marked and unmarked vehicles.

Officers engaged with riders in order to educate them about the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protection equipment.

Temporary Chief Inspector Jon Chapman, Head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "We know that as lockdown restrictions ease, road users, particularly cyclists, are more likely to get back out on our roads. It has therefore never been a more important time to highlight the dangers that both motorcyclists and cyclists face.

"As we have seen riders being disproportionally involved in serious collisions when they only make up a small fraction of the total road users, we want to use this campaign to encourage motorists and cyclists to think about the safety of those on two wheels.

"Riders must of course consider their own safety and be responsible road users as much as anyone else, but I would urge drivers of other vehicles to take extra care when travelling near to cyclists or motorcyclists and recognise that they are more vulnerable. Don't drive too closely to them and allow plenty of room if overtaking."

Norfolk's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Scott Norman said: "The number of bikers on the road always increases at this time of year as the weather improves, and with lockdown easing there is also more traffic back on the road.

"Sadly, our crews attend many accidents on Norfolk's roads each year involving motorcyclists.

"Most are avoidable. Our short social media videos aim to show how to get your bike roadworthy before setting out and all road users have a responsibility to remain alert and help to keep motorcyclists safe."

Drivers and riders found to commit offences during the week of action will be issued with Traffic Offence Reports, and face a fine or points on their licence.

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