‘Hugger’ campaign launched in Essex

The Hugger motorcycle safety campaign, which has been running in Norfolk since 2009, was launched in Essex over the bank holiday weekend.

The centrepiece of the Hugger campaign is a “lovable character” who features on boards along some of the busiest motorcycle routes in Essex.

The campaign encourages other road users to become more aware of motorcyclists, and encourages bikers to consider additional training to improve their skills and experience.

Hugger was launched in Essex at the Motorcycle Show at North Weald Airfield on Sunday 4 May, by the Essex Casualty Reduction Board which comprises partners including Essex County Council, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police.

The launch was planned to coincide with the beginning of the motorcycling season and on the back of statistics showing that motorcyclists in Essex make up only 1% of road traffic yet are represented in 26% of collisions involving death or serious injury.

Hugger
The ‘Hugger’ concept and campaign was originally developed and launched by Norfolk County Council in 2009. It has proved successful in increasing both awareness of safety issues and uptake of further training and is now being picked up by neighbouring authorities (Suffolk and Essex).