4^th June 2009

****PRESS RELEASE****

Motorbike riders being urged to not let a dream ride turn

into a nightmare this summer

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership is launching a campaign targeting motorbike riders in order to remind them of the caution required when riding on Dorset’s popular biking routes.

The number of motorcycles in Dorset involved in collisions which result in a death or serious injury has risen by 39% since March 2006* and the South West region has the highest motorcycle fatality rate in the country**.

Johnny Stephens, Head of Fixed Penalties at the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership comments: “According to the DVLA, there was an increase of 4% in new motorbike registrations in October 2008 as motorcycles and mopeds become an attractive alternative to cars in the current economic climate.  Bikers need to appreciate that with the absence of seatbelts and the secure protection offered from a car, they are at greater risk of becoming seriously injured if involved in a collision.  Our campaign will remind riders of the caution required and the protective clothing that could save their life.”

The campaign will be launched on the 25^th May to coincide with the increase in riders which occurs in the summer months in Dorset.  The campaign focuses on how easily a dream ride can turn into a family nightmare.  Adverts on the back of busses will target motorcycle riders on the roads, whilst leaflets and posters will be available in bike shops and from equipment suppliers reminding riders to use the correct protective clothing and equipment.

ENDS

Press enquiries, please contact Nikki Haine on 01425 472330 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Notes to editor

* Figures compare the year April 2005 to March 2006 with the year April 2007 to March 2008

** Figures from the South West Public Health Observatory

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, which was set up in August 2002, constitutes a partnership between Dorset County Council, Borough of Poole Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset Police, NHS South West, Highways Agency, Her Majesty’s Courts Service and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Partnership, through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement, is working together to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads, as a consequence of both excess and inappropriate speed.  It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of fixed site, mobile and red-light junction cameras throughout Dorset.

Bike Safe Dorset

In addition to the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership motorcycle campaign, bikers in Dorset can also take advantage of BikeSafe Dorset.  Dorset Police and Dorset County Council are working together to provide motorcyclists with a session of classroom-based tuition plus a practical ride-out with police motorcycling professionals. BikeSafe Dorset offers motorcyclists the chance to gain advice and tips on a range of subjects to make their riding even safer - including cornering, positioning, overtaking, correct use of gears and hazard perception.

For more information please visit - http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/Bikesafe/dorset.html .