New Zealand - Bike safety blitz starts

OFF THE WIRE
New Zealand: http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/bike-safety-blitz-starts/1171989/
Bike safety blitz starts

 Staff reporter | Monday, November 14, 2011 
A four-week police campaign aimed at motorcycle safety begins in the Central District today.
Central District highway patrol officer Senior Sergeant Kris Burbery said the campaign was run for the first time last year and was met with a positive response from riders.
The Month of Motorcycles will run until December 11.
Police will be proactively speaking to motorcycle and moped riders, focusing on vehicle condition, safety equipment, clothing, licences, rider behaviour and legal compliance.
Checkpoints will also be a part of the campaign.
Mr Burbery said the campaign was not about targeting motorcyclists to issue infringement notices, but to engage with riders to raise their awareness and remind them of their vulnerability.
"It is also about encouraging both car drivers and motorcycle riders to respect each other," he said.
"They each have responsibilities that they need to uphold."
So far this year, five motorcyclists have died on roads in the Central District. In 2010, that number was seven. Speed was identified as a contributing factor in three of those crashes.
While this year's cases were still under investigation, speed and alcohol were suspected as a factor in some of the crashes, he said.
During last year's campaign, 747 motorcyclists were spoken to, 49 speed offences were detected, 35 riders were in breach of their licences, nine had vehicle faults and one was caught drink-driving.

Key safety tips for motorcyclists
Ensure you have the appropriate licence for the size of motorcycle.
Ensure the vehicle is safe, registered and warranted.
Wear the appropriate safety clothing and footwear - no bare skin and jandals
Wear an approved safety helmet.
If you are riding a motorcycle that was manufactured on or after January 1, 1980, the headlight must be switched on at all times when on the road.
Ensure you comply with any conditions of a graduated (learner or restricted) drivers' licence.
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