Wigan motorcyclists urged to sign up to 'lifesaving' course

After a rise in the number of deaths of people riding motorcycles in Greater Manchester, Traffic Police have taken action.

GMP have unveiled their new 'BikeSafe' scheme, a motorcycle skills workshop designed to improve road safety.

It launched last weekend (2nd September) and offered training from traffic police officers, including an observed ride, interactive presentations, discussions and safety advice.

The initiative was aiming to reduce the number of road traffic collisions involving motorbikes by further improving the skills, knowledge and hazard awareness of experienced riders.

Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin from GMP's Road Policing Unit said:

"Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users across Greater Manchester and far too many riders are killed or seriously injured on our roads. Eleven motorcyclists have lost their lives on the roads this year and that is completely unacceptable.

"We're working hard to reduce that number with the introduction of BikeSafe, a new Force measure that supports our wider operational work to reinforce rider safety and reduce casualties and fatalities."

A recent week of action saw officers from the road policing unit on patrol across Greater Manchester, advising both drivers and motorcyclists and targeting riders who behave in an anti-social manner which can often cause serious and fatal collisions.

Chief Inspector Parkin continued:

"Drivers can often underestimate the proximity of motorcycles, causing risk of collision when pulling out at junctions. We're encouraging drivers to take longer to look for motorcyclists and think about the person, not the bike.

"Motorbikes are powerful machines and failing to treat them as such can lead to devastating consequences. It is vital that riders remain vigilant at all times, pay attention to their speed and surroundings and to be aware of the other road users at all times/"

For more information about BikeSafe, visit this site.