Norfolk Police campaign aims to improve safety for cyclists and motorcyclists

Police are calling on all road users to travel responsibly to reduce the number of crashes involving those on bicycles and motorcycles.

This is part of a two-week national campaign – which started last Monday – led by the National Police Chief’s Council, which aims to improve road safety for those on two wheels.

While motorcyclists make up only 1% of the motoring population, they account for almost one in five fatal collisions (19%). This puts them among the most vulnerable road users, alongside cyclists.

The roads policing team will be conducting various operations, all aimed at educating motorists and improving rider and driver behaviour.

This will include monitoring the space given by drivers to cyclists during the operation ‘Close Pass’.

The campaign encompasses all of those travelling on two wheels, including e-scooters and electric bikes. The public has raised concerns about how these vehicles are ridden, specifically in busy town centres.

Officers will be working to address unsafe riding, anti-social behaviour, and illegal modifications. They will be stopping suspected illegally modified pedal cycles and e-scooters being ridden inappropriately.

Key changes were made to the Highway Code in 2022 to improve the safety of vulnerable road users and pedestrians.

This includes giving cyclists at least 1.5m of space when overtaking, riding in the centre of the road, and the ability to ride two abreast, as it can be safer to do so.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, of the roads and armed policing team, said: “We have a collective responsibility, as road users, to look after one another.

“Motorcyclists and cyclists are significantly over-represented in our collision data, so it is important that we raise awareness of how all motorists can help to keep them safe.

“Educating riders of the dangers of the incorrect personal protective equipment and reducing the knowledge and skill gap all help to contribute to a safer road network for all.”

Sarah Taylor, Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, said: “I’m particularly pleased that this campaign will address the illegal and risky use of e-scooters and modified electric bikes.

“Based on the emails I receive, I can see that this is a concern across the county, and this campaign will build on the work done by the constabulary over the past 12 months by serving as a reminder that these vehicles must not be used in order to prevent the large risks they pose to people using our roads and pavements.”

Around 25% of fatal collisions involving motorcycles do not involve another vehicle.

This indicates that factors such as speeding, careless and dangerous riding or poor maneuvering could be a contributing cause.