Bikers urged to read the road this bank holiday weekend after deaths in Derbyshire

Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is sharing an important message after nine motorbike riders lost their lives in Derbyshire in the last month.

Five people were killed in two incidents near Buxton within minutes of each other on Sunday, 18 August.

Nine of the 13 bikers killed on Derbyshire’s roads this year did not live in the county, but rode in to enjoy the stunning peak district views.

As we head into the bank holiday weekend with the hope of more sunshine to come, Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is asking everyone to take care on the roads, look after each other and make sure we all get home safely.

If you know a biker, please share this message with them. We want them to enjoy their riding, read the road and ride to the road. Let’s make it a bank holiday to remember for the right reasons.

Police officers will be out in Derbyshire this weekend, meeting bikers and ensuring everyone – drivers and riders alike – is being responsible.

Inspector Simon Paull of OPU said “ Last year, 57 motorbike riders died or were seriously injured across Warwickshire roads and collisions often see a spike on the warmer weekends and bank holidays.  We are asking bikers to please take extra care over the bank holiday weekend and drivers to always look at least twice for bikers especially at junctions. Motorcyclists are not as visible as four wheels and we need drivers to take more care and consideration around them to help keep them safe.”

Bikers take pride in being the best that they can, and no matter how seasoned the rider, BikeSafe is a fantastic way to improve your skills. Talk to an officer or find out more and find your local course online: BikeSafe - the UK's #1 police-led motorcycle safety & skills initiative.

Whilst there is a waiting list for Warwickshire BikeSafe, Free online motorcycle Roadcraft training is available Warwickshire Police - BikeSafe

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner is also encouraging bikers to upskill by providing subsidised training for motorcyclists to achieve their RoSPA advanced rider qualification with Coventry Riders. For more information visit www.coventryadvancedriders.co.uk scan the QR code or email [email protected]

Post-test motorcycle training is also available via IAM and the DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme.

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly is a biker himself and has shared

A message from Derbyshire Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable (youtube.com)