With summer just around the corner, motorcyclists are preparing to make the most of better weather and longer daylight hours. Drivers and riders across Dorset are being reminded to look out for one another as the annual “biker season” begins and more motorcyclists are expected to be travelling across Dorset, particularly on popular rural and coastal routes such as the coast road around Chickerell and West Bay.
In an effort to prevent injuries and fatal accidents, additional warning signs have been placed at high-risk routes, particularly around the Coast Road where motorcyclists have been injured in Dorset in the past.
The signs act as a visual prompt to increase awareness for all road users. Drivers and riders are encouraged to slow down, stay alert and adapt their driving/riding to the road environment, especially as traffic volumes increase with improving weather and longer daylight hours.
Studies show that springtime is the most dangerous time for motorcycle collisions, with a peak in serious injuries and fatalities being seen as motorcyclists make their way back onto the roads after the winter break. This may be because motorcyclists are a bit rusty after not riding much over the winter period, because other road users are not used to seeing bikes out on the roads, or most likely a combination of both.
The initiative forms part of a broader, coordinated approach between Dorset Council, Dorset Police and local road safety partners, aimed at reducing serious and life‑changing injuries on the road network.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: “As we move into the warmer months, we know that more people will be enjoying Dorset’s roads on motorcycles. These warning signs are a simple but effective reminder for everyone to stay alert, slow down and look out for one another. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and increased awareness at the right time of year can help prevent collisions and save lives.”
The awareness campaign runs alongside Dorset Police’s ongoing enforcement and engagement activity throughout the riding season. This includes targeted operations focusing on excess speed, unsafe overtaking and careless or dangerous driving and riding behaviours.
The introduction of high‑risk route signage supports Dorset Council’s long‑term ambition to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with the goal of Vision Zero. No deaths or life‑changing injuries on Dorset’s roads.
Residents and visitors are urged to take responsibility for their driving and help make Dorset’s roads safer for everyone.
For more information about Dorset Council’s road safety work, visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadsafety
More information about how to avoid being involved in a motorcycle collision can be found on DocBike’s website: www.docbike.org/rider-skills-hub
