Welcome to Road Safety Wales
3/12/08
After six years as Dyfed Powys BikeSafe Co-ordinator, Sgt. Andy Reed is handing the task over to PC Rob Parsons.
At the recent BikeSafe Cymru AGM, BikeSafe National Co-ordinator Phil Edwards presented Andy with a memento in recognition of his dedicated contribution to BikeSafe.
20/10/08
A hard-hitting television commercial aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads of Denbighshire and Wrexham has won a top industry award.
The advert, produced by Wrexham based Knew Productions, in partnership with Chester advertising agency speake2, won the Best Open Award at the Institute of Videography Awards 2008, held at the Ricoh Stadium, Coventry on October 15.
Denbighshire County Council's Road Safety Team commissioned the 30 second advert shown on ITV Wales to promote BikeSafe, with the full support of Wrexham Council. The title 'Not Playing Anymore' reflects the devastating impact fatal collisions have on the family and loved ones and looks at inspiring bikers to improve their riding skills by contacting BikeSafe.
In 2007 there were 152 collisions involving motorcyclists across North Wales 13 of which resulted in deaths, 5 of these were in Denbighshire and 2 were in Wrexham. Research shows that even though many motorcyclists travel to the region from the North of England, the West Midlands, the Wirral and Mid-Wales, many of the bikers who die on the roads in North Wales also live in the region.
Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "This advert has an extremely powerful message that aims to educate motorcyclists of the dangers they face on the roads. Both Denbighshire and Wrexham Councils have worked with Knew Productions and Speake2 to deliver an effective publicity campaign and we are delighted that the professionally-produced video has earned this top industry accolade".
Councillor David Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment & Transport at Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "Wrexham County Borough Council is proud to have worked in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council on this acclaimed TV advert. Anything that can be done to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities on our roads is always a positive step. No-one can under-estimate the impact that road deaths have on families and friends. This advert has successfully portrayed the impact on loved ones and stands as a stark reminder to bikers to be BikeSafe."
Richard Knew, Director of Knew Productions and a Fellow of the Institute of Videography added: “Our crew worked really hard on the filming. We used specialist mini cameras to get the shots from the point of view of the toy motorbike, so there were some sore knees by the end of the shoot! We’re really proud to win this UK wide award, but more than that it is satisfying to work on a project that helps to improve road safety within our region.”
Saul Peake, Director of speake2, added: "We're very proud of the increased awareness of BikeSafe this commercial has generated. This is demonstrated by a three-fold increase in activity on their website's North Wales pages. We hope to be able to re-run the commercial next year and extend our activity into press and outdoor media."
Click Here To View The "Not Playing Anymore" TV Advert
14/10/08
Gwent Police is co-ordinating a Military BikeSafe workshop in association with Road Safety Wales, which will take place at The Gwent Road Resource Centre, Edlogan Way, Cwmbran on October 18⁄19, 2008.
According to the Ministry of Defence Annual Defence Road Safety Report 2007, road traffic accidents accounted for 25% of all service deaths that year. There were 52 deaths recorded (38 off-duty). Eleven of them were privately owned motorcycle deaths. Four of these involved no other vehicle, six involved other vehicles and the remaining fatality was an off road vehicle.
Although this is a marked reduction on the previous year's figures, they are still too high according to WO2 Steve Sutton the Master Driver of 160 (Wales) Brigade. Annually, he produces a Brigade Road Safety Plan for Army units within Wales. This incorporates various presentations and campaigns of which they must adhere to throughout the year, continually focuses on a variety of methods to promote road safety to military personnel. He has now established a working relationship with PC Dorian Evans from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit who has arranged the first Military BikeSafe workshop in Wales. This will enable military personnel to improve their road awareness and riding skills, thus attempting to reduce the number of motorcycle casualties.
PC Evans said:
"I became the force's BikeSafe Co-ordinator because I could personally relate to many riders' circumstances and appreciate how easy it is to become 'de-skilled' following even the shortest period out of the saddle.
Having undertaken lengthy and extensive police motorcycling courses, I suddenly realised that I was not as good as I thought, and had developed many bad habits. BikeSafe aims to address issues such as these and contribute to reducing motorcycle casualties on our roads."
Master Driver Steve Sutton said:
"We contacted all military units throughout Wales to gauge interest and were overwhelmed with the response. 16 Army personnel will be attending the workshops from all over Wales."
7/10/08
A pilot scheme aimed at promoting safer motorbike riding within Powys was launched by the council’s Road Safety Unit yesterday, 6 October. The scheme is open to motorcyclists who live in Powys and is the first of its kind in Wales, thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Working in partnership with Dyfed Powys Police, the scheme will give motorcyclists the opportunity to participate in a half-day training session. The session will comprise of a one hour training session followed by a two hour ride out with officers from the police.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, board member responsible for Road Safety, said: “Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users in Powys and we have the highest number of fatal collisions involving motorcyclists compared to any other counties in Wales.
“We want to promote safer riding and reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on the roads in Powys and this assessment, along with our other initiatives will help us achieve this.”
Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer, said: “We hope to train 50 motorcyclists from Powys before the end of March 2009 and we will be monitoring and evaluating the scheme’s progress.
“If successful, the scheme will go live from next April and the course will be offered at a subsidised rate.”
If you would like more information on the scheme, then contact Sarah on 01597 826637 or email sarah.morris@powys.gov.uk
10/9/08
The THINK! team has published a leaflet for motorcyclists to encourage safer riding by increasing skills, taking more training and wearing protective clothing.
The leaflet targets leisure riders aged 30+ years - enthusiasts, hobbyists and ‘born again’ bikers who typically ride powerful machines on an infrequent basis.
In addition to safety messages, the leaflet includes six discount vouchers from THINK!’s motorcycling partners covering subjects including motorcycle insurance, safety gear, tyres and motorcycle lessons.
The leaflet is available to order from the THINK! catalogue - reference TINF1239, maximum order 1000 qty. For orders in excess of 1,000 qty please contact Angharad Davies on 020 7944 4338.
9/7/08
Over the course of a busy BikeSafe weekend, nine lady riders covered over 200 miles on a wide variety of road types and conditions (mostly wet and windy!)
The workshop, run by 5 Police advanced riders and two paramedics, provided a mix of theory and practical sessions and included on-road assessment rides, information videos, motorcycle related first aid and other relevant issues.
Designed to enhance the skills of all riders who have already passed their tests, BikeSafe workshops are particularly suitable for those that may be returning to biking after a period of absence and sports bike riders.
All the participants were very enthusiastic about their BikeSafe experience and said their riding would be much improved as a result.
Click here for remaining BikeSafe Cymru workshop dates.
2/6/08
Pictured are riders who attended a recent Bikesafe weekend workshop at Police Headquarters, Carmarthen. The riders, who had travelled as far afield as Merseyside, all had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, even though they had to endure some unpleasant weather on the Saturday.
The rideouts took in some of the best roads and scenery covered by the Dyfed Powys police force, including Pembrokeshire, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.
“An insight into consequences of how simple mistakes can have disasterous consequesnces” C.M.
“Feel much happier on the bike, feel better going through bends…worth every penny” W.B.
“Has made me a much safer and more confident rider, vastly improved the knowledge I already had” M.Y.
“I feel I have gained a lot more confidence” J.M.
“Improved my hazard awareness and use of gears…great benefit and the course was well worth while” J.T.
More about BikeSafe...
19/5/08
Efforts to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads of Denbighshire and Wrexham will be supported by a summer of television commercials on ITV Wales (HTV) beginning next week. The 30 second commercial has been commissioned to promote BikeSafe by Denbighshire Council and is supported by Wrexham Council.
Produced by Knew Productions based in Wrexham, in partnership with Speake2, the Chester advertising agency, the commercial will be broadcast on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer, with the first showing on ITV Wales next Friday, May 23rd.
The title 'Not Playing Anymore' reflects the devastating impact fatal collisions have on the family and loved ones left behind and the call to action seeks to inspire bikers to improve their riding skills by contacting BikeSafe.
In 2007 there were 152 collisions involving motorcyclists across North Wales 13 of which resulted in deaths, 5 of these were in Denbighshire and 2 were in Wrexham. Research shows that even though many motorcyclists travel to the region from the North of England, the West Midlands, the Wirral and Mid-Wales, many of the bikers who die on roads in North Wales also live in the region.
Insights show that between 70 and 80% of local accidents are due to rider error and that men aged between 35 and 55 are the most at risk, typically in their late 40s and early 50s riding powerful bikes only at the weekends.
John Williams, Denbighshire’s Traffic Safety Officer, said: "Motorcycle accidents are on the increase. As well as providing free motorbike training places for Denbighshire residents we hope that this commercial will literally bring the message home to all motorcyclists to take extra care when out riding and to keep safety at the forefront of their minds; not least to remember those anxiously waiting at home for their safe return.”
Saul Peake of Speake2, said: “Our focus in producing this commercial has been to communicate with those men who don’t perceive themselves as possible victims. “Trying to ride out a mid-life crisis on a bike that’s too big and powerful for your riding skills isn’t just childish - it’s dangerous.”
Click Here To View The "Not Playing Anymore" TV Advert
29/4/08
BikeSafe - Bridging the Gap, an initiative undertaken by the four Welsh Police Forces, supported by Central and Local Government, helps to assess and advise motorcyclists on how to get the best from their riding, whilst maintaining safety.
Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed than a car driver; therefore it is vital that riders take the opportunity for extra training to ensure they are able to protect themselves on the road. Visit the BikeSafe website.
Cwmbrân
17/18 May - Full
7/8 June
28/29 June - Full
5/6 July (Women Only)
19/20 July - Full
6/7 September
27/28 September
Cardiff
17/18 May - Full
12/13 July (Women Only)
20/21 September
Swansea
14/15 June
16/17 August
Carmarthen
17/18 May - Full
21/22 June
20/21 September |
Colwyn Bay
Free 2 Day BikeSafe Workshop to residents of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham
10/11 May
12/13 June (weekdays)
21/22 June
5/6 July
19/20 July
16 /17 August
23/24 August
13/14 September
27/28 September
11/12 October
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"It made me aware of everyday dangers that are all too often taken for granted and produced an overview of how dangerous a motorcycle can be in the wrong hands. Personally if this training day was around 40 years ago it may have saved me ending up in hospital three times."
"Really enjoyed the course. I feel I am already improving and feel more confident and progressive."
"Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to others. Looking forward to getting out there and practising."
"Very enjoyable, very informative. The best advanced riding course I’ve ever done."
"The application of theory to on-road practice was astounding."
"The course had the right balance of everything. I have learnt so much and my riding has improved 100%. My confidence has improved loads and I am so glad I attended. Will definitely attend another course in the future. Excellent!"
"The whole course was excellent. Every aspect was well integrated. I have learnt very useful skills and am sure I am now a safer rider, not just on the motorcycle but also in the car - the skills are transferable."
Wales By Bike - A website all about safe motorcycling in Wales written and managed by professional bikers for bikers can be viewed here
10/4/08
SHARP is the new helmet safety scheme for motorcyclists. From Spring 2008, SHARP will tell riders the level of protection that a helmet will offer, so that they can choose safer helmets.
It will provide consumers with an independent assessment of the safety performance of helmets sold in the UK. The SHARP rating reflects the performance of each helmet model following a series of advanced tests and will rate helmets from 1-5 stars. There is more information on the SHARP website.
www.sharp.direct.gov.uk
17/3/08
A crackdown on bikers who speed and ride dangerously on Welsh roads has been launched in Abergavenny, South Wales. Wales' four police forces will use helicopters, unmarked cars and camera bikes to cut motorcycle-related deaths.
A total of 43 bikers or their pillion passengers were killed in Wales during 2007, the highest total since 1984.
Police said responsible bikers were welcome but they planned to stop groups "treating roads as a race track".
Gwent Police is launching the month-long first phase of the campaign at Abergavenny bus station. Chief Inspector John Pavett said the average age of the bikers or pillion passengers killed last year was 38.
He said: "The fact that Wales has some excellent biking roads, together with lower traffic levels than many parts of the UK, attracts many riders to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good.
"This high volume of motorcyclists using Welsh roads increases the possibility of poor riding standards and subsequently the number of injury road traffic collisions. It is our intention to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed and seriously injured on our roads by providing a high visibility presence, enforcing road traffic legislation and educating riders on safe motorcycling."
The force said the crackdown on anti-social and dangerous riding would target areas with high road casualty rates and use unmarked camera bikes and cars and helicopters to patrol routes.
Other activities in the campaign include the educational initiative Bikesafe 2008, which offers riders workshops and ride-outs with police motorcyclists.
The website Wales by Bike aims to give riding tips and suggested routes for visiting bikers. www.walesbybike.com
12/3/08
From today, many motorcyclists residing in North Wales will be offered a free two-day BikeSafe or BikeSafe and FBoS (First Bike on Scene first aid) course under the North Wales Local Authorities' Rider scheme.
Motorcyclists remain one of the most vulnerable road user groups in the country. On average only 1% of all registrations are motorcycles but 20% of all collisions are motorcyclists. During 2007 many of those injured in North Wales were involved in a collision within ten miles of their home.
The North Wales Road Safety Group is concerned for the safety of the motorcycle community and those affected by the situation. In an effort to raise awareness of casualty reduction skills the group have agreed to provide free BikeSafe and FBoS (First Bike on Scene first aid) courses to a limited number of North Wales residents who hold a full motorcycle licence.
BikeSafe is an established regulated strategy which has developed from best practice in engaging with the motorcycle community to encourage good road management skills. There has been a lot of investment by North Wales Police in BikeSafe and it is recognised as one of the leading examples in the country. Its aims are to develop rider's awareness of the issues, why they should take responsibility for appropriate attitudes and behaviour, the need to increase their skill level and how they can accomplish this.
Importantly BikeSafe exists to ‘Bridge the Gap' and encourage bikers to go to approved training facilities. It is agreed that first aid skills are of equal importance and that the FBoS facility under licence to BikeSafe is most appropriate.
Dafydd Edwards, chairman of the North Wales Road Safety Group said: "The North Wales Local Authorities' Rider Scheme to provide BikeSafe workshops to a limited number of residents throughout North Wales demonstrates good working practice."
He added: "The commitment of the North Wales Road Safety Group in offering assistance to the biking community goes without question. Others that should be recognised are the volunteer observers who assist in the delivery of this education, the Fire and Rescue Service who offer valuable support with the Fire Bike and FBoS who give valuable resources to delivery of vital first aid inclusion."
For further information go to www.bikesafe.co.uk or contact Paul Cheshire the North Wales BikeSafe and FBoS coordinator on 07990 634234 or paul.cheshire@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
7/1/08
BikeSafe - Bridging the Gap, an initiative undertaken by the four Welsh Police Forces, supported by Central and Local Government, helps to assess and advise motorcyclists on how to get the best from their riding, whilst maintaining safety.
Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed than a car driver; therefore it is vital that riders take the opportunity for extra training to ensure they are able to protect themselves on the road. Visit the BikeSafe website.
Wales By Bike - A website all about safe motorcycling in Wales written and managed by professional bikers for bikers can be viewed here
The 2008 BikeSafe Workshops are as follows:
Cwmbrân
19/20 April
17/18 May
7/8 June
28/29 June
5/6 July (Women Only)
19/20 July
6/7 September
27/28 September
Cardiff
17/18 May
12/13 July (Women Only)
20/21 September
Swansea
26/27 April
14/15 June
16/17 August
Carmarthen
17/18 May
21/22 June
20/21 September |
Colwyn Bay
Free 2 Day Bikesafe Workshop to residents Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham
19/20 March (weekdays)
15/16 March
5/6 April
28/29 April (weekdays)
19/20 April
17/18 May
12/13 June (weekdays)
21/22 June
5/6 July
19/20 July
16 /17 August
23/24 August
13/14 September
27/28 September
11/12 October
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