News from our partners: “Be Bike Smart” theme supported by Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia
News from our partners West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership
With National Road Safety Week taking place next week (Monday 19 November– Sunday 25 November 2018), the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is supporting the theme of “Be Bike Smart”.
Organised by the national road safety charity Brake, this year’s Road Safety Week is raising awareness of road safety issues for those on two wheels. The campaign is targeting motorcyclists, cyclists and other road users with the aim of increasing general awareness and the importance of sharing the road responsibly.
In the UK last year there were 101 cyclists and 349 motorcyclists killed following collisions, with 3,698 cyclists and 5,592 motorcyclists seriously injured. Last year in West Mercia 4 cyclists and 13 motorcyclists were killed, and 60 cyclists and 128 motorcyclists were seriously injured.
Various road safety initiatives are being run throughout the week, one being ‘Be Safe Be Seen’ cycle safety stations with local policing teams. Cyclists that are not as visible as they could be in the dark mornings and nights, or cyclists with no lights, will be stopped and given road safety advice, free high vis gear and lights. All road users are also being made aware of Operation Snap, the new dashcam reporting tool where evidence of dangerous driving/riding can be submitted to West Mercia Police for appropriate action.
Shropshire Council, Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council and Telford & Wrekin Council are all supporting the campaign with various education events taking place locally. As part of the campaign Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service will also be running a Biker Down course in Worcester on Friday 23 November 2018, a free three-hour course designed to give motorcyclists essential information on how to deal with the scene of a collision, places are on a first come first served basis. To book your place email roadsafety1@westmercia.pnn.police.uk
Shropshire’s two WSP Road Safety Officers providing road safety education on behalf of Shropshire Council are delivering Bike Smart themed assemblies to children at primary schools across the county, and presentations covering a range of road safety themes relevant to further education students at the Shrewsbury Group of Colleges.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia has also lent his support to the national campaign, with various roadshows taking place across West Mercia during the week as part of the Roads Focus campaign.
