Police will be using an eye-catching sports bike to catch the attention of motorcyclists and promote road safety messages. The "Q Bike" project has seen Avon and Somerset Police purchase a Suzuki GSXR 1000 bike, using funds from the Bikesafe/Ride to Arrive road safety events.
The highly visible and eye catching machine will be used to provide police with a distinctive, high-profile presence on the roads of Avon and Somerset Police area and at a series of specified events and locations where bikers are known to congregate.
Those "specified events" include Bikesafe sessions, Ride To Arrive events, motorcycle shows and similar events that would benefit from its use to promote safer riding and casualty reduction.
The black bike will be officially unveiled this week.
Sergeant Mike Smalley, of the force's Road Policing Unit, said: "We have been involved in motorcycle rider casualty reduction for many years. For the most part we have worked in close partnership with the road safety teams in each of our unitary authorities and local authorities. This has developed over time and now results in the provision of seminars aimed at improving rider awareness and the benefits of further training".
"Whilst we have had a good response to the seminars and one-day experiences we offer, it was felt we needed a highly visible and attractive encouragement to the high-risk group. These are riders over the age of 35, riding a 600cc-plus sports machine."
"We have bought this Suzuki sports bike in a bid to encourage riders of similar bikes to spend some time and a little money in improving their riding skills.
"These riders typically spend £500 on leathers and helmets. Our one-day seminars cost £10 and our weekends cost £150 – comparatively small prices to pay for the tremendous benefits that can be gained. We have a programme of events through the year at various locations and are always open to arranging bespoke events for employers or rider groups."
Nationally, motorcyclists form one per cent of road users, but sadly are involved in more than 20 per cent of fatal crashes. In 2004, 11 motorcyclists were killed on roads in the Avon and Somerset force area. This figure rose to 21 in 2005. Already this year there have been six fatalities, double the figure for the same time last year.
PS Smalley said: "Clearly these statistics give us cause for serious concern. We are determined to be relentless in our quest to make the regions roads safer and are appealing to motorcyclists to play their part. It is in your best interests, as well as those of other road users, to ensure your riding skills are up to speed. Motorcycling can be an extremely enjoyable past time. We want to ensure it is even more enjoyable by being made safer".
"If, over the coming months, you see this new bike, by all means have a look at it and please speak to the officer riding it, who will be able to advise you on how you can play your part towards making our roads safer."
Related Linkswww.avonandsomerset.police.uk
