New ‘Think Bike’ police campaign launched

POLICE are launching a new ‘Think Bike’ campaign targeting both riders and drivers to ‘increase awareness’ and ‘offer additional training’.

The campaign has been launched across a number of regions including Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.

Meanwhile police in North Wales have launched an operation targeting motorcyclists on a number of popular biking routes.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said: "Both Warwickshire and West Mercia are popular with bikers and many riders are attracted to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.

"We’re aiming to make motorcyclists and other road users more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and to help us reduce the amount of collisions that take place."

Roadside posters are being put up on popular motorcycle routes where crashes have occurred in the last three years and riders are being urged to check their bikes are roadworthy after winter storage.

Riders are also being offered a ‘Take Control’ motorcycle skills enhancement course.

North Wales Police’s ‘Operation Darwen’ will target the A494 between Dolgellau and Bala; the A525 from Ruthin to Bwlchgwyn; the A525/A539 between Ruabon, Overton and Redbrook; the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Corwen; the A543 between Denbigh and Pentrefoelas; and the A5104/A494 Bryneglwys to Corwen.

A route known as the ‘Evo Triangle’ incorporating the A483, A5 and B4501 will also be patrolled as part of the operation, which runs until autumn.