LOOK out for motorbike riders so everyone can stay safe on our roads this summer: latest advice from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit.
Over the summer months, riders will be pulling on their leathers and heading out to meet up with fellow riders, to enjoy the Essex countryside and coast.
This weekend, Inspector James Freeman says: “The great weather brings out most people, but before you set off, whether it’s in a car or on a motorcycle, think about your and others’ safety and how we can all share our roads responsibly.”
Roads Policing Unit officers routinely patrol our towns and cities alongside our more rural locations to make the roads in Essex safe for everyone, keep them moving and prevent crime and collisions.
As expert riders, our officers have been engaging with riders in an effort to advise how to stay safe and be seen.
“We don’t want anyone to be injured on our roads,” the roads policing unit lead explained, “so motorcyclists should wear the protective gear they need. In this heat, it’s tempting to wear more casual outfits, but there’s nothing that can beat a good helmet, good protective clothing, safety gloves and boots. They could save you from serious injury, if you come off your bike.”
Motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians, pedal cycles, pedestrians, and horses.
Both riders and motorists are asked to be vigilant to road hazards and aware of other road users, keep to the speed limits and use your mirrors.
If you’re in a more rural area, please be aware that there may be hazards around that bend or up ahead. Look for places to pass each other safely, allowing plenty of space between a vehicle and a motorbike. With horses, always pass wide and slow so as not to frighten.
Watch out for hidden entrances to farms and tractors at this time of year: if there is a farm nearby, harvesting could be taking place.
Be aware that uncut bushes at the roadside could hide important warnings.
If you’re in a built-up area, you could encounter bigger vehicles, lorries and buses, so please, anticipate, be prepared to slow down or stop and all the while, look out for advance warnings of hazards ahead, including junctions.
“Before you manoeuvre, remember to check your mirrors. We’d encourage drivers to take a little extra time to make sure they’ve seen that bike and rider.”
The Roads Policing Unit continue to work with partners to support road safety campaigns.
Riders who want to improve their riding skills, can attend a course led by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in conjunction with Essex Police, called FireBike. For more information on this free course, visit: FireBike (essex-fire.gov.uk)
In addition, visit: Elite Rider Training | Riders Make You Safer (eliteriderhub.co.uk)
To watch a police motorcyclist explain what to look out for when riding, visit this great resource by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Police: https://youtu.be/Ytg15xVNE-E.
For information about the steps everyone can take to avoid a collision involving a motorbike, visit Think.gov.uk
For information about how you can improve your driving and take the Vision Zero Pledge, visit Vision Zero Pledge – saferessexroads.org
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