A new campaign is underway this week to reduce the number of bike casualties across the county.

With more motorcycles and bikes out on the roads now the weather has improved, the 2 Wheels initiative will see road policing officers out on patrol between April 11-17.

Police will be encouraging riders to ensure their bikes are roadworthy before heading out, including:

  • Checking tyres are pumped up and not worn
  • Ensuring lights and reflectors are working
  • Safety equipment such as helmets fit correctly

Police also want to educate other road users on the rules when it comes to bikes and motorbikes, including changes to the Highway Code about positioning of cyclists and the hierarchy of road users.

Last year, 71 cyclists and 66 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured on the county's roads.

Ch Insp Simon Tabert, who co-ordinates local activity in support of road policing campaigns, said: “Everyone who uses our roads should be looking out for one another; whether that’s drivers taking more care when overtaking, or cyclists and motorcyclists ensuring their bikes and safety equipment are roadworthy.

“Your bicycles and motorbikes may have been in storage over the winter months and therefore we are advising everyone to check them over or get a professional to do so.”

As part of this campaign, officers are also keen to remind people about the law when it comes to e-scooters, giving advice wherever possible but taking action if necessary.

E-Scooters that are not subject to an authorised trial can only be used on private land to which the public does not have access, with the permission of the landowner. It is against the law to use a privately owned e-scooter in public.