Big rise in number of motorcyclists killed on Shropshire roads

The latest figures, compiled by Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia, show six bikers have been killed and 37 seriously injured in crashes on county roads so far this year.

The number represents an increase from the three bikers killed last year, but a decrease on the 48 who were seriously injured over the same period.

Over 2015 and 2016 a total of 102 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured on the region's roads. In 2014 there were 39.

In Powys, there were 75 motorcyclists killed or injured in 2015, which was the highest number of motorcycle casualties in Wales, accounting for 11 per cent of the Welsh total. In 2014 there were 67.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said they were currently encouraging motorcyclists to consider taking further voluntary training following a rise in the number of bikers who have been injured in accidents.

The training includes advice on safety, riding skills, and how to look after bikes.

Nick Lloyd, RoSPA’s road safety manager, said: “With 16 per cent of rider crashes attributed to ‘loss of control or failure to look properly’, RoSPA is urging motorcyclists, whether novice or experienced riders, to consider taking further voluntary training.

“Wearing protective clothing won’t prevent a collision but it will help to reduce the severity of injury. Drivers also need to play their part by looking out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions.”

The road safety charity Brake said motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and are disproportionately involved in crashes and casualties.

A spokesman for Brake said: “It is concerning to see this increase in the number of motorcyclists killed in Shropshire.

“As a charity that supports bereaved and injured road crash victims, we know only too well the heartache and suffering that is caused by every road casualty.

“Travelling on a motorbike is currently one of the most dangerous forms of transport, and along with cyclists and pedestrians, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users.

“It is crucial that vulnerable road users like motorcyclists are kept safe and secure on our roads; everyone who uses the road has a responsibility to look out for each other, whether a rider or driver.

“Our advice is to look twice for bikes at junctions, stay well under the limit, slow right down for junctions and bends, and slow down to 20mph in built up areas.”

They are around 38 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants, per mile ridden.

Charity officials said those new to, or returning to motorcycling, need to be especially aware of the risks, and understand how they can be reduced by getting the right training and wearing full protective clothing.

Anna Higgins, communications manager for Safer Roads Partnership in Warwickshire and West Mercia, said they would encourage all road users to ‘think bike’.

She said: “Both Warwickshire and West Mercia are popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.

“However, the unfortunate reality is that motorcyclists continue to be over-represented in road traffic collisions.

“Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, together with the Safer Roads Partnership, continue to develop and deliver targeted campaigns and initiatives around motorcycle safety, and all road users are encouraged to ‘think bike, think biker’.

“Advertising and social media messages are regularly used to encourage road users to share the road responsibly along with the yellow think bike signs that have appeared on popular routes across the region where collisions have occurred over the past three years.

“The Safer Roads Partnership also delivers a number of courses which aim to help bikers improve their knowledge and skills.

“The partnership’s ‘take control’ course is a heavily subsidised motorcycle skills enhancement course for bikers who want to brush up on their skills, gain more confidence on their bike or become a better rider.

“Alongside the communications activity and education work in place, police enforcement continues to take place and operational patrol units target high harm routes to provide a highly visible deterrent to speeding motorists and motorcyclists as well as cracking down on inappropriate riding and nuisance offences such as noise.

“Enforcement will continue to be carried out throughout the summer and autumn months alongside other operational commitments.”