The Bennetts British Superbike Championship arrives at Brands Hatch this weekend with former triple champion John Reynolds urging Kent's bikers to celebrate their passion for motorcycling by improving their skills. The latest statistics show that in 2004, 23 bikers were killed and a further 208 seriously injured on Kent's roads. Motorcycle casualties fell in 2004, the most recent statistics available, but motorcyclists still account for 17% of all road fatalities, despite making up only 1% of all motor vehicle traffic. In total 585 bikers were killed and 6,063 seriously injured on Great Britain's roads in 2004.
Superbike fans will be able to find out more about riding technique and bike maintenance at 'The Academy' stand at Brands Hatch where experts will be giving live interviews.
John Reynolds is a key supporter of the campaign to encourage bikers to improve their skills. He said, "I'm backing The Academy because as a rider you never stop learning. There are some top experts involved with some great advice. Learn from them. I do."
The Academy is hosted by the THINK! campaign which is an Official Supporter of this year's Bennetts British Superbike Championship. This is THINK!'s third year of involvement with Superbikes. Road Safety Minister, Stephen Ladyman MP, said:
Stephen Ladyman said, "I am pleased that THINK! is once again involved with the British Superbike Championship. Motorcycling is a great way to get around, but I know from first hand experience how vulnerable riders can be on our busy roads. Riders need to make themselves clearly visible to drivers and think seriously about getting extra training to brush-up on their riding skills. I would urge all bikers to make use of the expertise available at The Academy. "
The Academy will also be hosting BikeSafe police motorcyclists who run the nation-wide rider assessments. The Academy's expert advice can also be accessed online at the motorcycle academy link below.
Related Linkswww.thinkroadsafety.gov.ukwww.themotorcycleacademy.co.uk
