30 April 2008

Reducing death and serious injury involving motorcyclists

Only one in 100 motorists on our roads is a motorcyclist but a quarter of those riders are involved in serious road collisions.

To combat the problem the Partnership is supporting Kent Police and its road safety partners in a campaign, which starts today, to reduce death and serious injury involving motorcyclists.

As the weather is improving, the evenings are lighter for longer and consequently more riders are on the road the education and enforcement initiative kick starts the Safer Summer campaign.

Kent Police's Inspector Alex Jones said: 'Kent Police and its partners want to work with motorcyclists to ensure that they can enjoy riding their bikes safely all year round. It is not about spoiling their fun and fining them for speeding. It is about keeping them, and other road users, alive and making sure their families grow up with a husband, partner, father, brother or uncle.

'In a concerted push to reduce the number of riders who are killed or hurt, and the trauma their family and friends suffer, Kent Police and its road safety partners will pool their expertise and resources to reduce casualties.

'We will educate, enforce the law and talk to motorcyclists at major events - giving them advice that could save their lives.'

The campaign focus includes:

· Four major motorcycling events where Kent Police and its partners will mingle with riders, offering them help and advice (May Day Run from London to Hastings; British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch; ACE Café Bank Holiday Run to Margate and the BMF Garden of England Motorbike Show at Detling)

· Speeding riders. Safety cameras will be set up on roads where motorcyclists have been killed or injured in the past and at sites associated with anti social or dangerous riding

· Anti social riders who put other motorists at risk

· Other road users who will be asked to report anti social riders by calling Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111