'Think Bike' signs installed at collision 'Hot Spots' in Cleveland
It's to encourage drivers and bikers to keep a look out for motorcyclists
‘Think Bike’ signs are being installed at local collision ‘hotspots’ to encourage drivers and bikers to keep a look out for other motorcyclists.
The Shiny Side Up signs are very visible – big, bold and bright yellow, and are being installed on popular riding routes and where fatal and serious collisions occur. 50 signs will be put up around the area in the coming weeks.
The Shiny Side Up partnership (SSUP) comprises a group of dedicated professionals from road safety, collision investigation and police traffic management teams with a focus on reducing the number of fatal and serious casualties suffered by bikers.
The signage has been funded by Cleveland Road Safety Partnership and they have been previously successful in the East Midlands area in spreading the message.
Particular warnings on the signs reflect the main dangers on routes used regularly by riders.
Roads Policing Operations Sergeant Mark Kewley, said:
“This signage is going to assist in bringing bikers to the forefront of people’s minds whilst driving.
“We know that motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users and it’s sometimes too easy to forget they can approach quickly and be hard to see. In some cases those in cars or other motorcyclists haven’t checked blind spots before moving out or have travelled too fast and this has caused collisions involving bikers.
“All too often we are called to serious and fatal collisions involving motorcycles, and so we will do anything that we can to help prevent them from happening.”
Andy Corcoran, Chair of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, said:
“The Shiny Side Up signs are a highly visible reminder to drivers of other vehicles that they need to look out for bikers, particularly at this time of the year when there are more of them on our roads than usual. Bikers are some of the most vulnerable road users, so the signs should help to minimise the number of serious collisions at the locations where they are most at risk.”
Andrew Bright, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Learn & Live Co-ordinator said:
“The Think Bike signs will help provide a timely reminder to all road users to look out for each other at this busy period of the year. Often serious collisions can be down to excess speed, a moment’s lapse of attention or failing to read the road ahead.
“Our advice is to use road signs to guide you around hazards, be visible and pre-empt the actions of others, particularly at junctions. And remember a second look could be a life saver.”
Shane Woodhouse, Head of Operations South at North East Ambulance Service, said:
“Sadly, collisions involving motorcyclists are still all too common, and can have a devastating impact on all those concerned, including the attending emergency service personnel.
“We hope these signs act as a helpful reminder and, ultimately, save lives in our region.”
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