May Day bank holiday is one of the busiest weekends on Cumbria’s roads as bikers flock to enjoy the winding roads and stunning views on offer around the region.
After six fatal motorcycle collisions in the county, however, police are urging bikers to think of their families, and to ride safely.
Sergeant Jo Lennox is a police motorcyclist in Cumbria’s roads policing unit, and manages the county’s Bikesafe scheme, which provides education to motorcyclists in a bid to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the region’s roads.
She said: “My team and I love welcoming bikers to the area to enjoy all we have to offer. Cumbria is a haven for motorcyclists, as our roads are relatively traffic-free and we have some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.
“We spend a lot of time engaging with bikers in the area, encouraging them to stay safe. Unfortunately this message is not getting through, and we have already dealt with six fatal motorcycle collisions in Cumbria in just two months. That is six tragedies too many, and six families torn apart by a needless death.
“My officers and I will be out and about throughout Cumbria this weekend, keeping an eye on motorists behaviour and we want to enjoy the weekend without being called to a serious collision, and without having to be the ones to break the news to another grieving family.
“Our message is simple – ride safely. Before you take a risk, think about your loved ones – is it worth tearing their lives apart for one split-second thrill?”
Since the end of February this year, six motorcyclists have died in Cumbria following road traffic collisions.
On Monday 25th April, Stephen Gray, 43, from Lemon St in South Shields, died after his motorcycle collided with a dry stone wall on the A686 between Alston and Hartside summit.
On Friday 22nd April, Lee Matthews, 41, died when his motorcycle collided with a wall on Ferry Road in Barrow.
On Saturday 9th April, Andrew Mitchell, 44, from Blackpool, died after his motorcycle collided with a car near Kirk Bridge, Garsdale.
On Monday 21st March, Kenneth Hardy, 72, from Windermere, died after his Harley Davidson collided with a car on the A591 near Plantation Bridge. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and three grandchildren.
On Sunday 6th March, John Tweddell, 44, from Morecambe, died when his motorcycle collided with a car on the A683 between Sedbergh and Middleton. He leaves behind his wife, parents and two sisters.
On Monday 28th February, Jordan Peck, 17, from Keswick, died after his motorcycle collided with a car near Dovenby, Cockermouth.
Sgt Lennox said: “Seeing a list of every biker who has died in a collision in Cumbria this year brings home the sadness and heartache left behind, and the sheer waste of a life. Please don’t add your name to this list. Ride safely.”
Motorcyclists have the opportunity to improve their riding skills and road sense through Bikesafe courses run by Cumbria Constabulary that provide education sessions and assessed ride outs to bikers using the county’s roads.
For further information about future Bikesafe courses, contact Sgt Jo Lennox on 0845 33 00 247, email her at joanne.lennox@cumbria.police.uk or visit the Bikesafe website www.bikesafe.co.uk.
You can also keep up to date with the Cumbria Bikesafe Facebook page.
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