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Keeping everyone on two wheels safe by thinking bike

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Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service will be working in partnership with The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire and Rescue Services across the country and more than 40 other agencies to spearhead a motorcycle safety campaign this spring.

Think Bike Week is aimed at motorcyclists nationally and will highlight key safety messages, including the importance of bike maintenance and the wearing of proper riding kit. Riders will also be encouraged to ‘brush up’ their riding skills at a time when many will be returning to riding after a significant break. The campaign will run from 23 April – 3 May.

Covid restrictions allowing, representatives from fire and rescue services will visit local motorcycle dealers, accessory retailers and meeting places to engage with riders. The campaign will also highlight the wide range of courses available to riders such as the award-winning ‘Biker Down’ initiative, the police BikeSafe course and various advanced rider training sessions and other safety advice.

In Herefordshire and Worcestershire, between 1 Jan 2011 and 31 Dec 2020 there were 285 RTC incidents involving a motorcycle.

Sadly there were 12 fatalities over the time period. 71 people were taken to hospital with injuries appearing to be serious. 122 people were taken to hospital with injuries appearing to be slight and 23 people were given first aid at the scene.

The campaign Facebook page can be found here https://www.facebook.com/Think-Bike-Week-100773498761378 or #thinkbikeweek

Other partner organisations that will be supporting the campaign include the National Police Chiefs Council, the Motorcycle Industry Association, Trading Standards England, Highways England, the National Young Riders Forum, RoSPA, IAM and the Motorcycle Action Group.

Tony Crook, NFCC Lead for Road Safety said: “Motorcyclists are over-represented in collision and casualty statistics nationally. With increasing numbers of people taking to two wheels, our aim is to encourage riders to do all they can to stay safe. This campaign at the beginning of the motorcycling season is a great opportunity for all partners to deliver a range of safety messages across the UK.”