Young riders are particularly vulnerable, which is why the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is helping parents and carers to equip their young person with the skills and knowledge to stay safe on two wheels this spring, and beyond.
Spring typically marks the start of the motorcycle season, with consistent warmer and drier conditions expected over the next few weeks. Young riders are particularly at risk, with 32% of motorcycle related death or serious injury following a collision involves a rider under the age of 25.
The Street Spirit campaign calls on young riders to enhance their knowledge on safe riding by watching five short videos and completing a quiz. Young riders are also able to watch a virtual reality film which teaches about safe positioning, filtering and manoeuvring from a first-person perspective.
The Partnership is also offering free on-road training sessions for young riders who have completed their CBT, with a view to build on existing knowledge and give them additional riding skills and exposure.
Louise Curtis, Road Safety Manager for Essex Fire and Rescue Service and P2W lead for the Partnership, said: “We know that in the event of a collision a motorcycle rider is 50% more likely than a pedestrian or a cyclist to die, or suffer a serious or life-changing injury. We also know that due to age and inexperience, the risk for young riders is increased.
“Our data tells us that injury rates decline with age, which is why we are empowering parents and carers to help keep their young rider safe during peak motorcycle season and beyond.
“Our Street Spirit campaign has been a great success in enabling us to engage with current and potential young riders and provide some useful learning about the risks and consequences of being out on the roads. We ask parents to direct their young person to the high quality and engaging resources on the website and to consider contacting us about a free on-road training session, if they’ve completed their CBT.
“We all have a part to play in road safety and drivers will soon see billboard advertising at key motorcycle collision hot spots, reminding them to look out for bikers. Our vision is for all road-users to be mindful of how we use the roads and for all to get to their destination safely and without injury.
“We know how difficult it can be to have conversations around safety with young people, but we also know that keeping them safe is always a priority. Call or email us, (03330 137590, driverintervention@essex.gov.uk) to see how we can support you.”
For more information on the Street Spirit campaign, please visit Motorcycling – saferessexroads.org. Here, visitors will find links to the campaign including the virtual reality film, and the flyer promoting our free on-road skills session.
