Motorcycle deaths and injuries drop in Lancashire

Date: 14/10/2010

The number of serious motorcycle accidents has dropped significantly in north Lancashire, it has been revealed.

Following the introduction of the police's Bikewatch programme between April and September this year to deal with the high toll of casualties in the mainly rural area, the number of deaths and serious injuries has been almost halved.

The programme has involved a crackdown on unsafe and illegal riding practices that risk a tragedy occurring.

Sergeant Nigel Ralphson of the Lancashire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit explained roads in the area are highly popular with those on two wheels and this has made it an accident blackspot.

He noted: "Operation Bikewatch was developed to try and reduce these figures and this year we have seen a reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured while riding their motorcycles."

A plan to make motorcyclists safer in different circumstances was unveiled earlier this month, as Transport for London launched a campaign to make drivers more aware of bikers and the dangers they face on the roads of the capital.

Posted by Sarah Bailey