Safety event for bikers

Date: 29/4/2010

The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme (WMCRS) has organised a one-day bike show in a bid to encourage riders to stay safe on the roads.

Motorcyclists will get the chance to hear expert advice, book training courses and learn new skills.

In the West Midlands almost two-thirds of collisions in which bikers are involved are because other road users have failed to look properly and spot them.

Lisa Newmarsh, WMCRS scheme support manager, said: "The majority of collisions happen on weekdays, especially in the summer months, in rush-hour traffic between 4pm and 7pm [16:00 and 19:00 BST]."

She added that the initiative is also aimed at young riders and mums and dads who have youngsters that want to buy a motorcycle.

West Midlands Police recently launched a sticker campaign with schoolchildren in a bid to improve road safety awareness and the importance of wearing a seatbelt.