‘Life on a Bike’ campaign aims to prevent biker deaths and injuries

Motorists are being urged to take a second look for motorbikes after it was revealed that more than half of biker collisions on North East roads have resulted in riders being killed or seriously injured.

Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) has been joined by bikers, along with police and fire services from across the region, in launching the ‘Life on a Bike’ campaign to highlight the increased risks to bikers and remind people to slow down and look out for each other.

A number of bikers have contributed to the emotive campaign in a bid to illustrate the huge impact road collisions have, not only on the people directly involved, but their wider families, friends, and work colleagues. 

The Life on a Bike campaign aims to show that bikers do much more than ride bikes, giving insight into their family lives, hobbies and work. 

Data shows that between 2019 and 2023, there were 1,501 biker collisions on the region’s roads, with 57 motorcyclists killed, 755 seriously injured, and 689 slightly injured.

Peter Slater, chair of RSGB NE, says a large percentage were caused by a failure to look, by either the biker or drivers, or because the motorcyclist lost control of the bike.

Peter said: “Nobody goes out with the intention of being involved in a road collision, but too often collisions occur that could so easily have been avoided.

“Bikers are vulnerable, so we see high fatality and injury rates, and nobody wants that on their conscience.

“We are appealing to drivers to take a second look for bikes – it could save a life. And we need bikers to slow down, to ride for the conditions and the roads, and to scan the road ahead for hazards. It sounds odd, but they need to prepare for what other road users might do.”

With the help of some of the region’s bikers, RSGB NE has produced social media videos to highlight common risks and promote safety advice to help keep bikers safe.

Bikers Richard and Suzy Baylin, both 59, from Marton in Middlesbrough, were eager to get involved in the campaign. Richard, a keen baker, and Suzy, who is a proficient knitter, are featured in the videos.

Suzy, a substitute primary school teacher, said: “I love motorcycling, but safety is paramount. My top tip for both bikers and drivers is to look, wait and look again. You never know what could be coming around the corner.”

Biker Les Adam, 32 from Stockton, is a dad to two small children and works as a DJ in local clubs and pubs across the region.

He said: “I urge all drivers to keep an eye out for us on the roads. We might be smaller and less visible, but we are part of the traffic just like everyone else. My tip for all road users is to look twice and remember there’s a life on that bike. We have families and friends waiting for us to come home safely.”

Sean Smith, community engagement manager at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Taking time for that second ‘life saver’ look before pulling out or changing direction is vital with motorcyclists being so vulnerable. Moderating your speed and reading the road ahead, whether on two wheels or four, is also key.”

The latest figures show that more than half of motorcyclist casualties were aged under 35 years, with a third aged between 16 and 24 years. 

Steve Clyburn, Cleveland Police roads policing inspector, said: “We would always urge all road users to do all they can to keep other road users, including motorcyclists, safe – everyone has a part to play in making our roads safer.”

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