Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to support the first national Biker Down safety campaign, which runs between 11-17 April.
Biker Down is a free three-hour course that 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 own risk of being in a collision. The sessions are suitable for riders of all experience levels, whether riding for work, pleasure, or both.
The national campaign will also highlight the importance of motorcycle maintenance and the wearing of legal and protective riding gear.
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 is a great opportunity for all partners to deliver a range of safety messages across the country.”
Other partners 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 Road Smart and the Motorcycle Action Group, especially since the trade in counterfeit and fake gear has grown in recent years.
Station Manager Dean Hoskins, Biker Down lead for DWFRS, said: “Our hope is that this week of action will 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 nationally. By delivering Biker Down in Wiltshire and Swindon, and supporting its provision by Doc Bike in the Dorset and BCP Council areas, we are doing all we can to keep bikers as safe as they can be on our roads.”
More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/biker-down
