Motorcyclists road safety urged

As our roads become busier at this time of year with visiting motorcyclists, local two wheelers are being urged to sign up to new safety initiatives.

Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit has a number of initiatives to help motorcyclists ride safely, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government.

The first is called ‘Ride On’ – a one-day motorcycle course designed to give motorcyclists an introduction to advanced motorcycling.  It consists of an informal theory session followed by an assessment ride out, which is captured on the tutors’ bike mounted camera.

The course, which is open to people who live and work in the county, take place on Saturday June 18 in Newtown.

Another course available to motorcyclists is ‘Biker Down’. Provided and delivered by the unit in partnership with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the three-hour course covers such topics as collision scene management, emergency first aid and helmet removal and the science of being seen.

This course take place in Newtown on Thursday, July 21.

Finally, the unit is also making the ‘Crash Card’ scheme available to any motorcyclist who uses the county’s roads. The card contains the personal details of the motorcyclist and sits in the lining of their helmet and can be used by the emergency services should they ever be involved in a collision.

Cllr John Brunt, Cabinet Member for Road Safety, said: “With 3,400 miles of road, Powys has the largest road network in Wales and motorcyclists come far and wide to enjoy our rural roads.

“Sadly though, four motorcyclists lost their lives in 2015 as a result of a road traffic collision in the county and 27 motorcyclists received serious injuries. 

“As one of the most vulnerable road users in Powys, our Road Safety Unit wants to reduce the number of motorcyclists involved in collisions.  We hope these initiatives will help motorcyclists ride safer on our roads and minimise the risk of being involved in a collision.”

For information on any of these schemes or indeed to book a place, contact the Road Safety Unit on road.safety@powys.gov.uk.