More than 100 signs have been put up on some of Warwickshire’s most popular motorcycle routes to encourage riders and drivers to look out for each other.
Erected by the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership (WRSP), the ‘RIDE SAFELY’ signage aims to encourage bikers to take extra care on these rural, often more testing, routes.
Meanwhile, the ‘THINK BIKE’ signs remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists.
The signage now appears on a number of routes, including the A46 from Stratford upon Avon, south to the Worcester border – and Fosse Way, along the entire length of the B4455/A429.
The partnership says it is not relying on the signage alone to ensure safety. Warwickshire Police will also be carrying out regular high visibility patrols, and mobile camera sites on these routes will be given priority status through the summer.
Sally Rolfe, who put up the signage with her fellow Warwickshire Police traffic management advisor, PC Grant Dumbleton, said: “The routes for the signage were carefully chosen taking into consideration both our latest casualty statistics and the number of motorcyclists using the routes.
“When we were out putting up the signage, we were reassured to see high volumes of motorcycles using these roads – this confirmed we had chosen the right routes.”
The region’s motorcyclists are also being encouraged to upskill by attending a course such as BikeSafe or Biker Down. Bikesafe participants will be taken on the newly-signed routes whenever possible for an educational and high visibility presence.
Marie Biddulph, assistant regional safety co-ordinator (Midlands) at National Highways, said: “We recognise that motorcyclists are one of our most vulnerable groups of road users and because of this we must all do everything we can to help keep bikers as safe as possible when out on the roads.
“But motorcyclists must look after their own safety too by always wearing appropriate protective clothing when out on their bikes, whatever the weather. And we would encourage bikers to improve their road skills on one of the excellent courses available.”
Comment on this story