Own Your Ride campaign launches aimed at keeping motorcyclists safe

Riding a motorcycle brings a feeling of freedom like no other but that also inevitably comes with risks too.

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of all road users and account for a high proportion of collisions where someone is killed or seriously injured on Derbyshire’s roads.

With the Easter bank holiday weekend ahead of us, bringing the opportunity for many riders to hit the open road, we are today launching a new campaign aimed at keeping motorcyclists safe.

Own Your Ride will run throughout the year, with the intention of upskilling riders through the BikeSafe scheme.

No matter how long you have been riding, taking part in a BikeSafe workshop can help to improve your skills, and give you that vital refresher before you embark on a busy season of riding.

The campaign has been designed with riders at the heart of it, taking into account feedback and inputs from bikers themselves to make sure it reflects the messaging and voices that resonates with them.

Police forces across the country will be sharing the campaign assets and helping to keep motorcyclists in their area safe.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Blatchly, who leads the NPCC Motorcycle portfolio, said: “I have been riding a motorbike since my teens and completely understand the emotions and feelings that it brings.

“Derbyshire is a beautiful county with a number of popular biking routes so it’s no surprise that people flock here each year.

“Of course we welcome all riders and want them to come and enjoy the county. Sadly though we have seen a number of serious and fatal collisions in Derbyshire and we want to do all we can to reduce these.

“This campaign is so important to help equip riders with the skills and knowledge that can improve their ride and give them that extra edge to enjoy their ride and then make sure they get home safely at the end of the day.

“BikeSafe workshops are an opportunity to hear from expert riders in an informal setting, pick up some tips and hone your craft. We always get great feedback from those who have done a BikeSafe course and they’re an affordable way to take your riding that little bit further so I’d encourage all riders to sign up for one in their local area.”

Find out more about BikeSafe, and sign up for a workshop, at www.bikesafe.co.uk.