Police campaign to keep bikers safe on Leicestershire roads

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) have joined a National Police Chiefs’ Council initiative to protect cyclists and motorbike riders.

Between 2016 and 2019, 29 people have died and 236 have been seriously injured in collisions involving a motorcycle across the Leicestershire Police force area, a further 4 people died and 143 were seriously injured in collisions involving a bicycle.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst all road users to improve driver behaviour while also educating both groups of the dangers of not having the correct skills, knowledge and personal protective equipment.

Jonathan Clarkson, LLRRSP spokesperson, said “Supporting this national campaign with local activities and increased enforcement is an important way of raising road safety issues amongst cyclists, motorcyclists and other road users.

"Unfortunately cyclists and motorcyclists are over-represented within our road collision statistics and we want to ensure we are doing all we can with both education and enforcement to keep these two groups safer.”

Throughout the campaign Police officers will also be conducting various operations to enforce compliance of road traffic regulations and improve driver/rider behaviour including Close Pass Operations, which help address concerns from cyclists around vehicles passing too closely.

The campaign also coincides with the start of the force's seasonal speed camera van enforcement on popular motorcycle routes.