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Northumbria Police aim to make the region's roads a safer place.

Northumbria Police

17 March 2008


Northumbria Police is gearing up to help cut the number of motorcycle crashes on the region’s roads.
As the early spring attracts motorcyclists back onto the region’s highways, Northumbria Police is stepping up its Operation Weekender campaign, part of the police led partnership initiative to reduce casualties.
The campaign reflects the fact that 19% of people killed and seriously injured on the roads are motorcyclists.
In 2007, 124 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured on the roads of Northumbria, compared to 113 in 2002.
The rural roads of Northumberland attract motorcyclists and consequently account for the majority of incidents, 46 in 2007. This is reduced from a peak in 2004 of 52 incidents.
As part of the force’s drive to encourage safe riding, Northumbria Police will be conducting “Cornering Clinics” in April.
The aim of the clinics - which are part of the national Bikesafe police initiative - will be to explain to riders the importance of good skills, with examples of what can go wrong and how to improve their riding.
The clinics will be held at Northumberland County Hall, Morpeth, on Saturday, April 5 and April 12 and at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Headquarters, Washington, on Sunday, April 6 and April 13.
Bikers are encouraged to attend the training sessions, which are free and last about two and a half hours. There is no need to pre-book.
After a training session bikers also have the opportunity for a free assessed ride with observers from Northumbria Advanced Motorcycles and Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Drivers and Riders. The observers are advanced riders who have been trained by the police and can provide assistance to bikers to improve their skills.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden, of Northumbria Police's operations Department, said: "Safe bikers are welcomed by Northumbria Police and what we are trying to do is help people get the most from their bikes without getting hurt or causing problems for others.
“Motorcycling can be enjoyable and stimulating - when you get it right - but if you have a crash on a bike you are likely to get badly hurt.  We want people to be able to get it right more often and this project is designed to help and advise riders of all skill levels.
"The Cornering Clinics always prove immensely popular with riders of all ages and abilities and we aim to provide the best possible advice and training for the trainers as well.
"It's all about reducing the number of fatalities and the number of serious collisions, helping motorcyclists to be safe on the road."
Partners involved in the Weekender initiative include Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, Northumberland County Council, local authority road safety officers, Northumbria Safer Roads Initiative, Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists and RoSPA Drivers and Riders, Durham Constabulary and Lothian and Borders Police.