Gwent Police join national road safety campaign

During 2019, 598 motorcyclists and 412 cyclists were killed or injured in collisions on Welsh roads.

Between 5 - 18 April, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the National Roads Policing Operations Intelligence & Investigation (NRPOII) are coordinating a “2 wheel” road safety campaign with the aim of improving road safety for motorcycle riders and cyclists.

The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness among general motorists, as well as riders, about how to improve driver/rider behaviour and improve road safety.

According to Cycling UK “62% of people in the UK consider cycling on the roads too dangerous.”

One of the biggest threats to cyclists’ safety while on the road is close passing. Not only are close passes intimidating, but also dangerous, with close passing a contributory factor in a staggering 25% of serious collisions between cyclists and large vehicles (Cycling UK). 

Meanwhile, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable groups of road user and, compared to others, are at a higher risk of injury and collision.

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “We’re committed to increasing the safety of all road users in Gwent, including motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders.

“Over the coming months, as the weather brightens and more and more motorcyclists and cyclists use our roads, we’ll be engaging with riders across Gwent to talk about the steps they can take to increase safety and visibility.

“Things like making essential vehicle checks before setting off on a journey, riding within the legal speed limit, giving yourself and others enough space and time when overtaking and positioning yourself in the safest place to maximise visibility can make the road safer for us all.”

Let’s take care of motorcyclists and cyclists by remembering that:

Cyclists can be difficult to see, especially at junctions. They also have a tendency to wobble and are easily affected by side wind when being overtaken. They’re particularly vulnerable at roundabouts as they cannot move off very quickly.

Motorcyclists can be difficult to see, especially at junctions. They’re also often moving quicker than you might think and can be affected by side win, when being overtaken.

Teresa Ciano, GoSafe Partnership Manager and Chair of Road Safety Wales said:

“We all have the right to use the roads safely and confidently. If we all play our part and share the road responsibly by reacting responsibly and safely when sharing the road we can make every journey a safe journey for all road users, be they travelling on four wheels or two.

“Let’s take care of each other on the roads and bring the level of two-wheel casualties on the roads of Wales down.”

Riders are also being encouraged to visit the Wales by Bike website for information and guidance regarding courses, routes and safety advice.