Videos launched to keep bikers safe

Issued by North Yorkshire Police

With the biking season fast approaching two new videos have been launched to help keep motorcyclists safe this summer.

The videos detailing popular biking routes in North Yorkshire are designed to give riders tips on potential black spots before they head out on the county’s roads.

Thousands of bikers travel to North Yorkshire and the City of York each year to take advantage of the picturesque routes on offer but unfortunately some don’t make it home.

The 95Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership is committed to reducing road deaths across the county and hope that the videos can contribute to saving lives.

The routes featured in the videos are the A170 between Thirsk and Scarborough and the A65 between Ingleton and Skipton.

Videos highlighting the B1222 between Sherburn and Stillingfleet and the B1257 between Helmsely and Stokesley were filmed last year and it is hoped that further routes can be added to the collection.

Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal, of North Yorkshire Police and Chair of the 95Alive Partnership, said: “North Yorkshire is a very popular destination within the biking community and we are more than happy to welcome motorcyclists who want to use the fantastic routes we have here.

“What we don’t welcome, however, is people who come here, ride irresponsibly and put their own and the lives of other road users at risk.

“The videos were very well received last year and hopefully this year’s will have a similar impact. Anything we can do to try and save lives is a positive step and I hope bikers will use them and the other guides available to keep themselves safe this summer.”

In 2012, five motorcyclists were killed on the roads of North Yorkshire compared to nine in 2011 and 20 in 2010.

The 95 Alive partnership hopes that the downward trend can continue and will be running a number of education and enforcement operations over the summer to engage with bikers in an effort to prevent more tragedies.

ACC Spittal, added: “Although there has been a reduction in deaths over the past couple of years there are still too many serious collisions involving motorbikes on our roads and we are determined to get the figures down.

“Most bikers are responsible riders but there are people out there who don’t heed the warnings and those people are not welcome in North Yorkshire.”

In 2012 there were 108 motorcyclists seriously injured in the county.

• For more NYRides videos go to the YouTube channel

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