The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Lancashire FRS are encouraging motorcyclists to prepare themselves, and their bikes, to help stay safe ahead of the Biker Down national safety campaign which will run from the 11th – 17th April.
Motorcycle riders are encouraged to sign up for the Fire and Rescue Service’s free Biker Down session. The three-hour course provides practical and potentially lifesaving advice. It gives riders an awareness of what to do if they are involved with or see an injured motorcyclist and how to reduce their risk of being in a collision.
Biker Down sessions are suitable for riders of all experience levels, whether riding for work, pleasure, or both.
Key messages will also be highlighted during the campaign, including the importance of motorcycle maintenance and the wearing of legal and protective riding gear.
We hope the week of action can contribute to reducing the number of riders injured and killed in motorcycle incidents on the roads. Despite motorcycles making up around 1% of vehicle traffic, in 2020 they accounted for 20% of road fatalities and 12% of road injuries in Great Britain.
Lancashire FRS will be working with motorcycle dealers, accessory retailers and meeting places to reach riders as the weather improves and more people take to the roads on motorcycles.
Tony Crook, NFCC lead for road safety, said:
“Motorcyclists are over-represented in collision and casualty statistics nationally. With an increase in the number of people using motorbikes for both commuting and enjoyment, our aim is to encourage riders to do all they can to ride safe and ensure they do all they can to be visible on the road. This campaign at the beginning of the motorcycling season is a great opportunity for all partners to deliver a range of safety messages across the UK.”
Other partner organisations that will be supporting the campaign include the National Police Chiefs Council, the Motorcycle Industry Association, Trading Standards England, Highways England, the National Young Riders Forum, RoSPA, IAM and the Motorcycle Action Group.
Biker Down sessions will be hosted and delivered throughout April and May by Lancashire FRS staff who all have a keen interest in motorcycles. See our available events here (opens on a new tab).