Nottinghamshire Police support campaign to reduce deaths on two wheels

Roads policing officers in Nottinghamshire are backing a national campaign to reduce the number of bike and motorcycle deaths on the roads.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The ‘2 Wheels’ campaign, led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), is running for two weeks and aims to raise awareness and educate road users and riders on behaviour that can be improved on the road – and in turn reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions.

Nottinghamshire has already seen two fatal collisions involving motorbikes during 2021.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And over the last 10 years there have been 34 serious accidents involving motorbikes where vehicle defects were identified during the period 2011 to 2020.

Nottinghamshire Police are backing the ‘2 Wheels’ campaignNottinghamshire Police are backing the ‘2 Wheels’ campaign
Nottinghamshire Police are backing the ‘2 Wheels’ campaign

Det Insp Clare Gibson, who heads up the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: "We want everyone who uses Nottinghamshire's roads to be as safe as possible.

"Cyclists in particular face a number of challenges on the roads. They may have to move out to avoid potholes and debris, and this includes having to move out from cycle lanes too, and this is why we want to reiterate some very important guidance as part of this national campaign.

"Drivers should give cyclists at least one-and-a-half metres of space when overtaking to make sure this is done safely.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Roundabouts and side roads are also particular areas where cyclists need to take care, and in these situations it's often safer for them to 'take the lane', which means riding in the middle of the road on approach to these. Drivers shouldn't overtake at these locations.

"Please be patient and aware of your surroundings, also when cyclists are riding two abreast, something which they are absolutely allowed to do.

"Giving cyclists the required space is so important and we want to reiterate that passing closer than one-and-a-half metres puts lives at risk and drivers could risk being charged with careless driving."

Road Policing officers are set to be out and about as part of the campaign stopping and checking a range of vehicles and giving advice to riders and drivers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Det Insp Gibson said: “This campaign is an incredibly important one and comes at a really significant time. We’re looking forward to getting out and about, speaking to people and having those all important conversations with them.”